White House to West Baltimore, the arrests of six cops in the death of Freddie Gray were met with joy and relief Friday.
“These charges are an important step in getting justice for Freddie,” said Gray’s stepfather, Richard Shipley, who urged people to celebrate peacefully.
“We ask that whoever come to our city, a city that we love, a city that we live in, come in peace. And if you are not coming in peace, please do not come at all,” Shipley said.
“This city needs to get back to work. The last thing that Freddie would want is to see the hard-working people of Baltimore lose their jobs and businesses because of his death. Remember: Without justice, there is no peace. But let us have peace in the pursuit of justice.”
Prosecutor Marilyn Mosby’s surprise morning announcement electrified residents.
Onlookers cheered, pumped their fists in the air and leaned on their car horns as word spread across the beleaguered city, still scarred from Monday’s orgy of arson and looting.
“This is great. It’s a great step in the battle of oppression of black people. I’m not taking this victory lightly. I’m not taking Freddie Gray’s justice lightly,” said Jay Morrison, from the group Young Minds Can.
“This is one small step in drawing national attention to all the injustices that happen with African-Americans today.”
Gloria Darden, Gray’s mother, said, “I feel good because we got all six of them.”
“You can rest, Freddie. You can rest. You can be in peace now,” Darden told BuzzFeed.
Gray family lawyer Billy Murphy added, “Today is a momentous step on the road to justice for Freddie.”
Salaam Ismial of the National United Youth Council said: “I think this is a good moment in justice, particularly for the young people. I’m satisfied. I’m definitely satisfied with second-degree murder — that’s 30 years.
“This will send a message to all police officers, particularly in this city.”
Kevin Moore, who captured the 25-year-old Gray’s arrest on camera, cried tears of joy and praised Mosby.
“She has our backs,” he said.
At the White House, President Obama said it is “absolutely vital that the truth comes out on what happened to Freddie Gray.”
“What I think the people of Baltimore want more than anything else is the truth. That’s what people around the country expect,” he said.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said she was “sickened and heartbroken” after hearing the allegations against the officers.
“For those who wish to engage in misconduct, racism and corruption, let me be clear: There is no place in the Baltimore Police Department for you,” she said.
“No one in our city is above the law. Justice must apply to all of us, equally.”