Freddie Gray

Freddie Gray

Freddie Gray was an African American man who died in police custody in Baltimore, Maryland, in April 2015. His death led to widespread protests and civil unrest, drawing national attention to issues of police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.

Early Life

Freddie Carlos Gray Jr. was born on August 16, 1989, in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood, an area known for its high crime rates and economic challenges. Gray faced numerous hardships throughout his life, including exposure to lead paint in his childhood home, which affected his health and development.

Arrest and Death

On April 12, 2015, Freddie Gray was arrested by the Baltimore Police Department for possessing what the police alleged was an illegal switchblade. During the arrest, Gray was handcuffed and placed in a police van. Witnesses reported that Gray was not secured with a seatbelt, a violation of police protocol.

While being transported, Gray fell into a coma and was taken to a trauma center. He died on April 19, 2015, a week after his arrest. The medical examiner's office ruled his death a homicide, citing a spinal cord injury as the cause.

Protests and Unrest

Following Gray's death, protests erupted in Baltimore, with demonstrators calling for justice and accountability. The protests were part of a larger movement against police violence, echoing similar demonstrations across the country.

On April 27, 2015, the day of Gray's funeral, the protests escalated into riots, leading to looting, arson, and clashes with police. The unrest prompted the Maryland National Guard to be deployed, and a state of emergency was declared.

Legal Proceedings

Six police officers were charged in connection with Freddie Gray's death. The charges ranged from second-degree depraved-heart murder to misconduct in office. The trials of the officers resulted in three acquittals and the remaining charges being dropped.

Impact and Legacy

Freddie Gray's death and the subsequent unrest had a significant impact on Baltimore and the nation. It intensified the national conversation about police practices and racial disparities in the criminal justice system. The incident also led to changes in police policies and increased scrutiny of law enforcement agencies.

See Also

• Black Lives Matter
• Police brutality in the United States
• 2015 Baltimore protests