Freddie Gray was a 25-year-old Black man who died in police custody in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2015. His death sparked widespread protests and unrest in the city.
Here's a brief overview of the events:
- Arrest and Injury: On April 12, 2015, Gray was arrested by Baltimore police officers for allegedly fleeing from them. During the arrest, Gray sustained injuries, including a broken neck.
- Death in Custody: Gray was transported to a hospital in a police van. He died a week later, on April 19.
- Public Outrage: Gray's death sparked widespread public outrage and protests in Baltimore. The protests quickly escalated into riots, with widespread property damage, looting, and violence.
- Investigation and Trial: The case was investigated by the Baltimore Police Department and the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2016, a grand jury indicted six police officers on charges related to Gray's death. However, all six officers were eventually acquitted or had their charges dropped.
The death of Freddie Gray highlighted the issue of police brutality and the need for reforms within the Baltimore Police Department. The protests and unrest that followed his death also drew attention to broader issues of racial inequality and injustice in the United States.