Press Release

December 16, 2015
Cardin Statement on Mistrial in Freddie Gray Case

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) issued the following statement on the declared mistrial in the criminal case of Officer William Porter.

“The death of Freddie Gray was a tragedy that fueled a national conversation about the need for equal justice and expanded opportunities in the African-American community.  We cannot bring Freddie Gray back to his family, but we as a community can work together to repair and rebuild the trust between our police and the neighborhoods they are sworn to protect and serve.

“As the trials related to Freddie Gray’s death continue, let us join together to honor his memory by raising our voices in the name of peace and unity. We must push forward in the fight to make historic changes in our criminal justice system and simultaneously work to bring more economic development and economic opportunities to all corners of our city. 

“I urge residents to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully. As this process unfolds, let us reject violence, vandalism or other actions that might hurt our communities and local businesses. I am committed to working closely with all of our federal partners to bring Baltimore the diverse resources it needs to fully mend the divisions in the city and ensure equal justice under the law and real opportunity for all its residents.”

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