Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is calling for tougher federal gun laws.
Rawlings-Blake said at City Hall on Wednesday that the city’s violence follows four strands of rivalry and retaliation. "There are four major strands that are impacting the homicide rate in Baltimore. We can trace it and we can trace the players," Rawlings-Blake said. "There are known entities who are battling it out on the streets like is this is the wild, wild west, and we need help.”
One way that Rawlings-Blake called for help was through her request for tougher federal gun laws. While the Mayor admitted that Maryland has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, she said the problem was in other states which have more lax gun laws. Another way she called for help was through imploring witnesses with information to come forward.
The city just experienced its 211th homicide of the year, which was the overall record for 2014.
Officer Charged With Shooting Robbery Suspect
Baltimore City police officer Wesley Cagle is facing attempted murder charges. Cagle is accused of shooting burglery suspect Michael Johansen in the groin last December after Johansen had been shot by two other officers and was no longer considered a potential threat. State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby says the two officers were justified in shooting Michael Johansen last December when he refused orders to drop a "shiny" object at a burglary scene. But Mosby says Cagle shot Johansen again when he was no longer a threat.
“I take this oath seriously, and I want the public to know that my administration is committed to creating a fair and equitable justice system for all—no matter your occupation, your age, your race, your color, or your creed,” Mosby said in a statement explaining the charges against Cagle. “It is my job to examine and investigate the evidence of each case and apply those facts to the elements of a crime in order to make a determination as to whether individuals should be prosecuted.”
Cagle is a 13-year veteran of the department assigned to the Eastern District patrol. After criminal charges were announced yesterday, police say he is suspended without pay. On Thursday, District Court Judge Halee F. Weinstein set Cagle's bail at $1 million, citing the "heinous and callous nature" of the allegations.
Residents Protest Iran Deal in Annapolis
Hundreds gathered in Annapolis yesterday to protest the controversial Iran nuclear deal proposal. The pact with Iran would reportedly prevent the country from obtaining nuclear capabilities for at least 15 years in exchange for the U.S. lifting economic sanctions. Those in opposition to the deal are calling on U.S. Senator Ben Cardin to vote against it.
Hundreds Pay Respect To Baltimore "Batman"
Hundreds of people converged at the Har Sinai Congregation yesterday for the funeral service of Lenny Robinson, Baltimore’s own “Batman.” CBS Baltimore reports that many of those who came to pay their respects arrived in Batman costumes. Robinson, who would dress up as Batman and visit sick kids in local hospitals, was killed in a car accident on Sunday.
O's Clip Mets On Urrutia's Walk-Off Homer
Henry Urrutia’s lead-off solo homer in the bottom of the ninth gave the Orioles a 5-4 win over the Mets. Jonathan Schoop launched a two-run homer and Adam Jones added a solo blast to help Baltimore earn a split in the two-game set. Zach Britton was credited with the win.
