baltimore

No, Freddie Gray Did Not Have a "Pre-Existing Spinal and Neck Injury"

Gabrielle Bluestone · 04/29/15 08:45PM

Baltimore residents have been protesting for Freddie Gray—the 25-year-old black man whose spine was severed in police custody earlier this month—under the theory that excessive force was involved in his death. But according to a new “report” that surfaced today and started popping up on everyone’s racist uncle’s Facebook feed, Gray had a pre-existing spinal condition that may have contributed to his death. There’s just one problem: this is total bullshit.

Taylor Berman · 04/29/15 04:07PM

While protests continued today throughout Baltimore, a police spokesman announced this afternoon that no arrests have been made since last night.

Why Won’t Rand Paul Tell the Truth About Trains?

Ashley Feinberg · 04/29/15 04:00PM

During a radio interview yesterday, Senator Rand Paul weighed in on the ongoing unrest in Baltimore. “I came through the train on Baltimore last night,” the Kentucky Republican and 2016 presidential candidate told conservative radio host Laura Ingraham. Chuckling, he added, “I’m glad the train didn’t stop.” There’s just one problem with Sen. Paul’s account: Every train traveling through Baltimore that night stopped at Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Station.

I Spent the Evening at a Happy, Heavily Guarded Baltimore Block Party

Andy Cush · 04/28/15 09:23PM

My first indication that things would be different at Baltimore’s North and Pennsylvania Avenues this evening came when I met Crystal Smith and Jessica Mullen. “Hey!” Crystal called to me, wearing a Baltimore Ravens t-shirt, standing three blocks away from a CVS that was burned and looted just last night (and again today). “Wanna help us move the camel?”

Good Afternoon, From Baltimore 

Andy Cush · 04/28/15 02:25PM

I left my hotel at around 11:30 this morning and headed to the Inner Harbor, where I’d heard the National Guard was stationed. But Baltimore, at least near Camden Yards where I am, feels fairly quiet. People are out and about; if it wasn’t for the presence of guards and troopers it would feel like normal spring day.

"Those Kids Were Set Up"

Tom Scocca · 04/28/15 01:15PM

I was at a stoplight in front of Frederick Douglass High School and directly across from Mondawmin Mall. It was exactly 3 p.m. The mall was on lockdown. There were police helicopters flying overhead. The riot police were already at the bus stop on the other side of the mall, turning buses that transport the students away, not allowing students to board.They were waiting for the kids. As I sat at the intersection of Gwynns Falls, I saw several police cars arriving at the scene. I saw the armored police vehicle arrive. Those kids were set up, they were treated like criminals before the first brick was thrown.