BALTIMORE (AP) — Dozens of Baltimore business owners are suing city officials for allegedly mishandling the city’s response to rioting following the death of Freddie Gray.
News outlets report more than 60 plaintiffs filed a nearly 700-page complaint in federal court this week. The lawsuit names several defendants including Baltimore police, the city council and former Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
The plaintiffs are suing under the Maryland Riot Act statute, which allows parties to bring a claim against the city for property damage during civil unrest.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Peter K. Hwang said in a statement that the defendants cared more about the public perception of increased police presence than preventing the riot.
A lawyer listed for the city in court records didn’t respond to requests for comment. Rawlings-Blake declined to comment.
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