(WEAA)—Ivan Bates was sworn in Tuesday as Baltimore's new State's Attorney.
WEAA's award-winning talk show host Dr. Karsonya "Kaye" Wise Whitehead served as emcee for the inauguration ceremony.
During an emotional speech, Dr. Kaye spoke on Bates' commitment to Baltimore City and shared encouraging words of support.
"Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure and honor to both MC the Swearing In Ceremony for Baltimore City State’s Attorney and introduce him!"
The swearing-in was held at the War Memorial in Baltimore followed by an evening celebration at M&T Bank Stadium.
Bates defeated incumbent City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby and Attorney Thiru Vignarajah in the 2022 primary and was unopposed in the general election.
After taking the oath of office, Bates didn't waste any time implementing changes.
He immediately recalled Marilyn Mosby's non-prosecution policy on low-level offenses.