Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who stood before citizens and the media and said that she “made space” for “those who wished to destroy” in the ongoing riots, has now petitioned Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan to declare a State of Emergency – which Hogan has granted.
Mayor Rawlings-Blake made headlines when she previously told reporters:
"We also gave those who wish to destroy space to do that, as well."
Now, Gov. Hogan, has signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency and activating the National Guard to address the growing violence and unrest in Baltimore City – at the mayor’s request:
“The mayor of the city of Baltimore, having applied to the governor for a proclamation of a State of Emergency…”
Mayor Rawlings-Blake, subsequently, held a press conference in which she distinguished between the "thugs" who are causing harm and "the peaceful protestors we saw last week." A spokesman for the police who joined the mayor repeatedly declared that the violence "will not be tolerated."
A curfew for minors has been imposed and will be expanded on Tuesday to include adults.
The governor, along with Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford and National Guard Adjutant General Linda Singh, will hold a press conference at the Maryland Emergency Management Agency this evening.