Thousands Rejoice After Charges Filed In Freddie Gray's Death
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- News of the charges generated an emotional response, especially in Freddie Gray's neighborhood.
Rick Ritter has more.
It started out small, but when news quickly filtered through the streets, thousands rejoiced. In a stunning announcement Friday, the six officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray are now being charged.
"That's history. That's history; we feel like it never happened here before," said Darryl Felder.
The community of west Baltimore is feeling a sense of relief.
"It was joy and pain at the same time," Felder said.
All eyes were on the city Monday---but for all of the wrong reasons.
"Look where it got us; it became nationwide," said Sharon Jones.
Now Congressman Elijah Cummings hopes Baltimore can set the tone.
"One of the things I'm determined to do is make Baltimore a model for the nation. We don't have to follow a model; we can make the model," Cummings said.
Councilman Nick Mosby---the husband of City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby---went one-on-one with WJZ, calling the charges a "stepping stone" for his district.
"It's more than getting justice for Freddie Gray; it's about getting justice for these communities that have been ignored far too long," he said.
One in the process of moving forward.
"I'm proud of the community for being able to express themselves and being able to get the attention of authorities in this case," said Ianta Summers.
While the celebration is one, many know it's just the first step in what will be a lengthy process.
"We're making some kind of progress and if we be calm and let everything play its way out, we can see from there," Jones said.
At least one person was arrested for violating the curfew in that neighborhood. A protest is planned for Saturday with at least 10,000 people; there will be more law enforcement planned.
