Baltimore--Rioters looted stores and pelted police with rocks in Baltimore on Monday after the funeral of an African American man whose death in custody has reignited outrage over US police conduct towards blacks.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency in the port city of 620,000 and activated the National Guard as rioters prowled in small groups, ransacking shops and trashing police vehicles. Other cars were set on fire.
At least seven officers were injured in the violence, and police said one was "unresponsive."
Local and state police in riot gear struggled to restore order as the rioters veered off in different directions, refusing to heed dispersal orders.
"We have seven officers injured during the course of this. They have broken bones; one is unresponsive," Baltimore police spokesman Captain Eric Kowalczyk told reporters.
"You're going to see tear gas... We're going to use appropriate methods to ensure that we're able to preserve the safety of that community."
NBC affiliate WBAL reported there had been at least one arrest, and the Baltimore Orioles baseball team postponed its evening game against the Chicago White Sox.
AFP
