WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement on the judge’s verdict in the criminal trial of Baltimore City Police Officer Caesar Goodson Jr.:

“Baltimore City residents have experienced and expressed a wide range of emotions since the death of Freddie Gray. As someone who was born and raised in Baltimore, I have watched closely the events and judicial proceedings and, while our goal has been to seek justice for the tragic death of this young man, I urge everyone to respect the judge’s decision. No verdict will bring back Freddie Gray to his family and his community. We must redouble our efforts to continue the dialogue and the hard work to rebuild the trust between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they are sworn to protect and serve. These conversations have directly translated into meaningful actions by Baltimore City residents, community leaders and lawmakers at every level.

“I will continue my outreach to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as it conducts its pattern-and-practice investigation into the Baltimore Police Department. I called for this investigation along with the rest of the Congressional delegation after the death of Freddie Gray.”

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