Baltimore Riots: New Reports Of Looting Following Violent Clashes [Breaking]
The Baltimore riots continue despite a calmer morning with new reports of looting in areas of the city. This follows a tense night of violent clashes in the troubled city.
According to Fox News, several individuals were arrested because of looting. A shoe store was the target of criminals this time, as Baltimore police try to contain the riots and prevent more violence.
A week-long state of emergency is under effect, after Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake requested help from the National Guard, which means authorities are restricting times during which minors can be on the streets. Schools have been closed for safety purposes as Baltimore doesn’t use school buses, but public transportation.
The new reports of looting, following the violent Baltimore riots, appeared to be handled accordingly by police. On Monday, rioters outnumbered uniformed officers, attacking with rocks and injuring 15 of them. Tuesday was a different stories as police exercised great restraint, calmly and professionally arresting the looters and the community came out to clean-up.
A crowd was seen gathered outside the shoe store, but Baltimore riot police was seen restraining their advance as the arrests were made. At least two young men wearing hoods were carried away in handcuffs.
Baltimore business owners are picking up the pieces and were seen cleaning up debris left by looters on Monday. This as the city is still under lockdown, trying to recover from all the violence seen since the weekend.
News of the looting come as embattled Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s controversial remarks suggesting rioters had the right have space to “destroy” created much discussion. Observers are blaming a lack of leadership and planning for the violent Baltimore riots. Governor Larry Hogan expressed surprised Rawlings-Blake had not requested help earlier in the day.
“When the mayor called me, which quite frankly we were glad that she finally did, instantly we signed the executive order. We (had) our entire team prepared…We were trying to get in touch with the mayor for quite some time. She finally made that call and we immediately took action.”
Baltimore’s Mayor has not explained her remarks, but instead lashed out at the media for “twisting” her words.
At this time, 500 National Guard have arrived to help control the Baltimore riots, with that number expected to reach 2,000. The Mayor announced the curfew starts at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday night, which will allow authorities to restore order to the troubled city.
[Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images]
