A large group of protesters and police in riot gear clashed near Mondawmin Mall on Monday afternoon, while the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and numerous downtown businesses closed early out of fears of violence.
Police responded with shields and a tactical vehicle as they were pelted with rocks and bottles. Unconfirmed reports state that 2 Officers were seen being evacuated from the scene with apparent head injuries.
According to widely circulated flier, a high school “purge” was to take place at 3 p.m., starting at Mondawmin Mall and ending downtown. Such memes have been known to circulate regularly among city school students, based on a film “The Purge,” about what would happen if all laws were suspended.
The Baltimore Police Department had received information that a number of Baltimore area gangs have joined forces to “take out” officers.
According to a press release from the Baltimore Police department, members of the Black Guerilla Family, Bloods and Crips have partnered to harm law enforcement officials.
Police are taking this as a credible threat.
#BREAKING: Baltimore Juveniles Clash With SWAT teams, Multiple Officers Injured https://t.co/tJBLvjFpxM
— Breaking News (@Breaking911) April 27, 2015
.@BaltimorePolice Throwing Stones at #FreddieGray student protesters. Via @EricaLG pic.twitter.com/HgAxVHctld
— Revolution News (@NewsRevo) April 27, 2015
“Law enforcement agencies should take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of their officers,” the statement says.
