The governor of Maryland has lifted the state of emergency in Baltimore, removing the state police and National Guard. The extra authorities were brought in for assistance after violence broke out in the city last week following the funeral of Freddie Gray. Gray, 25, died a week after being arrested by Baltimore police.
The Associated Press reports that Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan felt the time was the appropriate for the withdrawal:
Hogan made the announcement Wednesday, more than a week after 2,000 National Guardsmen were called into the city when protesters overwhelmed police by throwing bricks and bottles at them.
Furthermore, the Associated Press notes that Hogan said Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's plea for the Department of Justice to investigate the practices of the Baltimore Police Department is "probably a step in the right direction." His decision also comes after Baltimore's mayor lifted the city's curfew on Sunday.
Gray's death was ruled a homicide last week, and all six officers involved in his arrest have been charged.
[via Associated Press]
