Prince plays at a rally for Freddie Gray in Baltimore
BALTIMORE - Prince has taken the stage in Baltimore before thousands of fans who were dressed in gray in tribute to a man whose death in police custody prompted riots and drew international attention.
The pop star announced Sunday’s “Rally 4 Peace’’ concert at the Royal Farms Arena Baltimore after weeks of protests over the death of Freddie Gray. During the show, Prince debuted a song he wrote for the city in the wake Gray’s death.
“For those who have lost loved ones, we’re here for you tonight,’’ Prince told the crowd before launching a set that included his most famous hits.
Prince also called on the city’s youth to fix a “broken system.’’
At one point, Prince invited onstage Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, who has charged six officers in Gray’s death.
The city endured days of unrest after Gray died April 19 following a week in a coma after his arrest.
Protesters threw bottles and bricks at police the night of his funeral on April 27, injuring nearly 100 officers. More than 200 people were arrested as cars and businesses burned.
Baltimore’s top prosecutor charged six police officers in connection with the death, and the Justice Department is investigating the encounter for potential civil rights violations.
Gray family attorney Billy Murphy said the investigation could put an end to “race-oriented policing.’’
“That improper searches and seizure are no longer tolerated and that improper arrests will be a thing of the past,’’ Murphy said Friday.
“All this can happen in Baltimore with the information, because of this investigation.’’
AP
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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