U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch, in her first public remarks since being sworn into the position earlier this week, offered praise for the Baltimore’s city leaders and residents for helping to de-escalate violence in the city after riots, looting and destruction broke out Monday afternoon.
“I am heartened that the unrest seemed to ease last night and that members of the community are trying to come together to clean up their city,” she said, according to a report in the Baltimore Sun. “I am hopeful that progress will continue in the coming days.”
Lynch made the comments at the roundtable discussion in Washington focused on cybersecurity.
She also offered condolences to the family of Freddie Gray and said Justice Department officials who traveled to Baltimore have met with a police officer injured in the violence.
“He seemed to be in good spirits,” she said, “and I want to convey my best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
Lynch sent two top Justice Department officials to Baltimore. Vanita Gupta, the head of the Civil Rights Division, and Ronald Davis, the director of the Community Oriented Policing Office. The department has launched an investigation into Gray’s death and the mysterious spinal injuries he suffered while in police custody.
“I’d ask that we remember that Baltimore is more than just a symbol,” she said. “Baltimore is a city; it is a great city; it is a beautiful city; it is one of our cities.”
“Like so many cities, Baltimore is struggling to balance great expectations and need with limited resources.”
