Shortly after Maryland State Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced that she will be charging Baltimore police officers with second degree murder, manslaughter and assault for the death of Freddie Gray, President Barack Obama issued a series of taped comments to the press from the White House.
“It is absolutely vital that the truth comes out on what happened to Mr. Freddie Gray, and it is my practice not to comment on the legal processes involved, that would not be appropriate,” Obama said. “But I can tell you that justice needs to be served. All the evidence needs to be presented. Those individuals who are charged, obviously, are also entitled to due process and rule of law and so, you know, I want to make sure our legal system runs the way it should.”
The president said the justice department and new Attorney General Loretta Lynch is in contact with Baltimore officers and will be assisting the case in any way that is appropriate. “What I think people of Baltimore want more than anything else, is the truth,” he added. “That’s what people around the country expect.”
“I’m gratified we’ve seen the constructive, thoughtful protests that have been taking place, peaceful, but clear calls for accountability that those have been managed over the last couple of days in a way that’s ultimately positive for Baltimore and positive for the country,” the president continued. “And I hope that approach to nonviolent protest and community engagement continues.”
Watch video below, via CNN:
[Photo via CNN/screengrab]
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