WASHINGTON — “Things are going to be different today.”
That was the promise from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Tuesday morning, after a day and night of riots and fires in Baltimore sparked by the death of Freddie Gray, who died from injuries suffered while in police custody.
Hogan said that in addition to the National Guard, which he called in while declaring a state of emergency Monday night, the city was getting help from state agencies as well as other county governments, including fire personnel from Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties.
“We’ll be more prepared tonight,” the governor said, adding that authorities were “building the presence” of the National Guard in the city.
He said that he had spent time Tuesday morning meeting with faith leaders as well as groups such as the NAACP and ACLU. He said he had spoken with President Barack Obama, and that Attorney General Loretta Lynch would soon be there.
He stressed, however, that those meetings were focused on a long-term solution.
“Today, we’re dealing with stopping the violence and protecting the people in the city.”
