Traffic Alert: Thursday Rallies for Freddie Gray to Jam Baltimore Traffic

Transportation officials are reportedly advising citizens whose commute includes downtown Baltimore City to plan ahead due to demonstrations in the name of Freddie Gray, the 25-year-old Baltimore man who died on April 19, one week after he was arrested by Baltimore City police.

Nonessential city employees who work in downtown buildings were given liberal leave, effective at 2 p.m. due to expected activity in the area, according to a memo from the Baltimore Labor Commissioner that was provided to the Baltimore Brew.

“Employees who work in the downtown area are encouraged to depart the city before 3 p.m. to avoid major disruptions,” the Baltimore City Department of Transportation said in a statement obtained by The Baltimore Sun.

At least two demonstrations are taking place Thursday afternoon:

• Demonstrators will gather at Mount and Presbury streets in west Baltimore at 3 p.m. They will march to the Western District police station.
• A march is also planned at 3 p.m. at Baltimore City Hall, which will continue to Baltimore Police headquarters, according to the Baltimore Brew.

City officials expect Thursday’s marches to affect traffic and cause major delays.

“Traffic congestion is anticipated during the afternoon and evening commutes with unpredictable conditions,” the Baltimore City Department of Transportation said. “Motorists should consider commuting earlier or staying later in order to avoid major delays. Employees who work in the downtown area are encouraged to depart the city before 3 p.m. to avoid major disruptions.”

This is the sixth day in a row demonstrators are marching on behalf of Gray, whose arrest and death are under investigation by police and the U.S. Department of Justice.

“All night, all day we will fight for Freddie Gray” and “No justice, no peace” are some of the slogans demonstrators are chanting.

The death of Gray is currently under investigation by police and the justice department. The Baltimore People’s Power Assembly announced at a news conference at noon Thursday that it is conducting its own investigation into Gray’s death, with the help of a civil rights investigator, calling the probe a “people’s independent investigation.”

• Demonstrations for Freddie Gray Continue for Fourth Day
• Justice Department to Investigate Death in Baltimore Police Custody
• Police Identify 6 Officers Involved in Freddie Gray’s Arrest

Flier for Freddie Gray demonstration from Empowerment Temple. Photo of City Hall from Stephanie Rawlings-Blake/Facebook.