A little more information, courtesy of Newsmax, about the Baltimore riots:
• Freddie Gray had an arrest record. At the time of the incident, he had been arrested a total of 22 times in Maryland, primarily for possession and distribution of illegal narcotics. He was involved in five separate criminal court cases at the time of his death.
• At the time of his arrest, he was armed with a switchblade knife.
• Police pursued him after he made eye contact with officers and fled, which is sufficient cause for pursuit in a drug-infested area.
• The mayor of the city, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, said “It’s a very delicate balancing act, because we tried to make sure that they were protected from the cars and the other things that were going on, we also gave to those who wished to destroy space to do that, as well.” There is tape and film of her making those remarks.
• Just 25 percent of U.S. adults consider the riots to be an expression of legitimate outrage.
• Al Sharpton is on his way. In fact, he’s probably already there.
Terence McManus, New Sharon
Editor’s note: After this letter was received, six Baltimore police officers were charged in connection with the death of Freddie Gray.
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