Free Republic

As the rioting grew fiercer in Baltimore following the funeral of Freddy Grey on Monday, the Obama administration issued statements vowing to end the violence. (snip) The readout also noted that Obama had spoken with Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “The President highlighted the Administration’s commitment to provide assistance as needed and will continue to receive updates on the situation from Attorney General Lynch and White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett,” the White House explained, adding that Jarrett had spoken with Maryland Governor Larry Hogan earlier in the day. Jarrett also spoke with Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings of Maryland, from Baltimore,...

LIVE UPDATES: 7:02 p.m.Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency and has activated the National Guard.6:54 p.m.Baltimore police say one of the fire department's hoses has been cut by rioters as firefighters are attempting to put out the fire at the CVS store. 6:35 p.m.President Barack Obama has spoken with Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake about the ongoing rioting situation in Baltimore. President will "provide assistance as needed." 6:32 p.m.Firefighters are responding to a CVS store on Pennsylvania Avenue and North Avenue after smoke is seen coming from inside the store. It is the...

Governor Larry Hogan is closely monitoring the situation in Baltimore City and has been in contact with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake office to provide the city with whatever resources are required. The Maryland State Police have been dispatched in a supporting role on the ground, as well as other resources and equipment from various state agencies. “Today’s looting and acts of violence in Baltimore will not be tolerated. In response, I have put the Maryland National Guard on alert so they can be in position to deploy rapidly as needed. I strongly condemn the actions of the offenders who are engaged...