LOC09:12
06:12 GMT
WASHINGTON, April 28 (KUNA) -- President Barack Obama met with newly-sworn in Attorney General Loretta Lunch at the White House on Monday and was updated on the events in Baltimore, Maryland following the death of Freddie Gray, a 25 year old black man who died after being injured in police custody.
"Lynch assured the President that she would continue to monitor events in Baltimore and that the Department of Justice stands ready to provide any assistance that might be helpful there," said a White House statement.
The US has faced a string of incidents involving police harassment primarily against minority citizens since the killing of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri last year.
Today, violence erupted in Baltimore on the same day of funeral services for Gray, between riotors and police. The Baltimore Police stressed on its twitter that there were "violent and aggressive groups" that "looted" neighboring stores. Police reports also indicated that 15 officers were injured and two remain hospitalized.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency in the city and sent the National Guard to assist state and city police in the area.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawling-Blake called the rioters "thugs" and "idiotic." She also imposed a citywide curfew set for Tuesday from 10 pm to 5 am.
Earlier in the day, Obama also spoke with the Mayor who updated him on the efforts to address the demonstrations and he highlighted his Administration's "commitment to provide assistance as needed," said the White House.(end)
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