Baltimore mayor lifts curfew days after riots

USPA News - Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on Sunday decided to lift a citywide curfew, nearly a week after rioting erupted over the in-custody death of Freddie Gray. Protests have remained largely peaceful since prosecutors charged six police officers.

"Effective immediately, I have rescinded my order instituting a city-wide curfew. My goal has always been to not have the curfew in place a single day longer than was necessary. I believe we have reached that point today," the mayor said in a statement. "I want to thank the people of Baltimore for their patience during this difficult time as we continue to come together to heal and restore our City." Baltimore was the scene of rioting late last month, resulting from protests over the death of Freddie Gray, who suffered a severe and critical neck injury after being arrested on a weapons charge. Six Baltimore police officers were charged on Friday in connection with Gray`s death, alleging that they placed him in the back of a van without using proper restraints, causing a severe spinal cord injury. Officer Caesar R. Goodson, Jr., the driver of the van that transported Gray, was charged with second degree depraved heart murder, as well as charges for involuntary manslaughter, assault in the second degree, manslaughter by vehicle as a result of gross negligence, manslaughter by vehicle as a result of criminal negligence, and misconduct in office. He could face up to 63 years in prison if convicted of all charges.