Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (D) vowed “I will continue to be relentless in changing the culture of the police department” in a press conference in reaction the charges filed against police officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray on Friday.
Rawlings-Blake said, “as mayor, I have said from the beginning that no one is above the law in our city. I was sickened and heartbroken by the statement of charges that we heard today, because no one in our city is above the law. Justice must apply to all of us, equally. With today’s official indictment, I have ordered Police Commissioner Batts to utilize the full extent of his legal authority, and immediately suspend all officers facing felony charges. In fact, warrants have been executed, and five officers are in custody. We know that the vast majority of the men and the women in the Baltimore City Police Department serve our city with pride, with courage, with honor, and with distinction. But to those of you who wish to engage in brutality, misconduct, racism, and corruption, let me be clear, there is no place in the Baltimore City Police Department for you. Today’s indictments are the next step in the legal process that is running its course. And as mayor, I will continue to be relentless in changing the culture of the police department to ensure that every one in our city is treated equally under the law. There will be justice for Mr. Gray, there will be justice for his family, and there will be justice for the people of Baltimore. Thank you.”
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