The statement of Vernon Jones some 60 years ago that it’s “Safe to kill Negroes” still rings true, especially if you carry a badge.
The trial of Baltimore Officer Edward Nero in the death of Freddie Gray has ended with a verdict of not guilty.
Nero chose not to have a trial by jury and instead opted for a trial by judge, causing outrage in Baltimore. Nero is one of six officers charged and the second officer to be tried on charges of second-degree intentional assault, two counts of misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.
Already protesters have taken to the streets and the city of Baltimore is on edge once again over police abuse in the city. Gray was killed on April 19, 2015. Gray died of spinal injuries after police assaulted him and did not secure him with a seatbelt during a deliberately rough ride in a prison van through the streets of Baltimore. Prosecutors maintained that Nero and other officers ignored an order that officers must secure suspects during transport in a police van.
“Whatever may be Judge Barry Williams’ decision with respect to Officer Nero’s role in the death of Mr. Freddie Gray, that verdict will have as much legitimacy as our society and our justice system can provide. I join the mothers, the fathers, the children … of Baltimore asking not only for peace but respect for the rule of law,” said Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings.
Four officers have yet to stand trial — Miller, Lt. Brian Rice, Sgt. Alicia White and Officer Caesar Goodson Jr. The trial for Goodson, the van driver, will start June 6. The case against William Porter, the first officer to go on trial, ended in a mistrial in December after jurors couldn’t agree on a verdict.
here have been calls for a peace by Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings as well as Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. Mayor Rawlings-Blake is quoted as saying:
“This is our American system of justice and police officers must be afforded the same justice system as every other citizen in the city, state, and country Now that the criminal case has come to an end, Officer Nero will face an administrative review by the Police Department. We once again ask the citizens to be patient and to allow the entire process to come to a conclusion, In the case of any disturbance in the city, we are prepared to respond.”
But this is not setting well with many. The well known Baltimore activist Rev. Westley West stated to media “Baltimore should be upset. They should also let their voice be heard. Take to the streets. How much longer are we gonna lay down and let the same thing to keep happening?”
On Twitter #FreddieGray is growing with comments from many including the Baltimore Fraternal Order of Police who tweeted the following statement:
That caused a reaction from news correspondent Roland Martin who tweeted the following:
Journalist Shaun King also expressed the thoughts of many in the Black community when he tweeted the following:
