Hundreds of demonstrators marched in Baltimore on Saturday in what observers called largely peaceful protests following the charging and arrest of six police officers involved in the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray Jr.
Organized by Black Lawyers for Justice, reports described the demonstration as having a “street carnival” feel and “the atmosphere of a block party.” Then CNN reported that authorities instituted a curfew three hours before it began at 10 p.m. Several demonstrators refused to clear the streets, and the New York Times reported that someone threw a water bottle at a passing National Guard truck. Police used pepper spray on a man who refused to leave the intersection, and the police made several other arrests.
The curfew has been particularly difficult for people who work the night shift. “They need to end that now,” said one demonstrator, 36-year-old J. R. White. “People can’t pay the bills if they can’t work.”
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Update:
In a statement on Sunday, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said the curfew was lifted.
Effective immediately, I have rescinded my order instituting a city-wide curfew.
I want to thank the people of Baltimore for their patience.— Stephanie (SRB) (@MayorSRB) May 3, 2015