BALTIMORE (AP) - Baltimore's mayor is asking federal investigators to look into whether the city's police department uses a pattern of excessive force or discriminatory policing.
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said Wednesday that the community has a "fractured" relationship with police. Her request came a day after new Attorney General Loretta Lynch visited the city. The mayor says Lynch understands the urgency of her request.
Baltimore saw days of unrest after Freddie Gray, a black man, was taken into custody and suffered critical injuries. He died a week later. The Justice Department is already investigating whether his civil rights were violated and six officers are charged in the arrest and death.
The new investigation the mayor is calling for is similar to one was done in Ferguson, Missouri.
Question About the Knife
BALTIMORE (AP) - One of the Baltimore police officers who arrested Gray has challenged police and a top prosecutor to produce a knife that prompted the arrest, arguing in a court motion it's an illegal weapon.
Attorneys filed the motion Monday for Officer Edward Nero, who's charged with second-degree assault, misconduct in office and false imprisonment. The motion appeared to challenge the basis for charges Nero faces after the arrest of Gray, a black man who died a week after suffering a severe spinal injury in police custody.
Last Friday, Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby charged Nero and the five other officers. Mosby said the officers had unlawfully arrested Gray because the knife he had in his pocket is legal under state law.
Rally With Prince
BALTIMORE (AP) - Prince has announced plans to perform at a concert in Baltimore following recent unrest in the city over the death of a man who was fatally injured in police custody.
A statement issued Tuesday says the pop icon will perform Sunday at "Rally 4 Peace," a concert at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore.
The statement says the event is meant to be "a catalyst for pause and reflection" after the recent protests and riots over Gray's death that prompted Maryland's governor to bring in the National Guard. Attendees of the concert are asked to wear gray.
Prince will also be joined by funk-rock group 3RDEYEGIRL. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Baltimore-based youth charities.
