Lynch: Baltimore riots ‘counterproductive’

Newly minted Attorney General Loretta Lynch called the riots in Baltimore a “grave danger” and “counterproductive” during her remarks at an unrelated appearance Wednesday.

{mosads}“They are also counterproductive to the ultimate goal here, which is developing a respectful conversation within the Baltimore community and across the nation about the way our law enforcement officers interact with the residents they are charged to serve and protect,” Lynch said.

“That is a conversation that I am committed to advancing.”

Lynch said the Justice Department will provide any assistance it can to help in “restoring calm and resolving the unrest” in the city, which has seen spats of rioting in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray, a black man who died in police custody.

It’s still unclear how Gray suffered the severe spinal injury that killed him, but many protesters have blamed the police. 

While most of the protests have been peaceful, there has been some violence and looting since Gray’s funeral on Monday. Twenty officers have been injured in the clashes, and rioters have started more than 100 fires.

The Justice Department is investigating Gray’s death, and officials visited an injured police officer Tuesday night. Lynch said she is “heartened” by Tuesday night’s relative calm and is hopeful the violence is behind Baltimore.

“Baltimore is more than just a symbol; Baltimore is a city. It is a great city; it is a beautiful city; it is one of our cities,” she said.

“And it is home to more than 620,000 people. It was their home that the peaceful protesters were trying to make better.  And it was their home that the injured officers were trying to protect.”