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Let Me Start: April 30, 2015

Protests extend beyond the borders of Baltimore as marches take place across the country Wednesday night.
Demonstrators march in Baltimore, Md. on April 29, 2015. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Reuters)
Demonstrators march in Baltimore, Md. on April 29, 2015.

Let me start with another night of protests that extended beyond the borders of Baltimore.  Aside from a massive march through Baltimore last night, there were also demonstrations in New York City's Union Square, Times Square, Ferguson, MO, Washington, DC, Denver, and Indianapolis.  Protests in Baltimore were peaceful for the most part but there were 100 arrested in New York and three people shot in Ferguson. 

Baltimore police say they have completed their investigation into the death of Freddie Gray which sparked the unrest this week.  The police department has turned their findings over to the city prosecutors according to a tweet sent out this morning from Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.  

Now State Attorney Marilyn Mosby will determine if charges should be filed against the six officers involved, who have been suspended since the incident.  Police said no additional information would be released to the public from their investigation at this time.

"By turning these documents, our findings over to the state's attorney's office as quickly as we can, we are being accountable to them so that we can be accountable to the public," spokesman Capt. Eric Kowalczyk said Wednesday. 

In response to the riots in Baltimore, Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) penned an op-ed in the Washington Post speaking on behalf of other African American mothers.  

"...as black mothers, we know our sons’ vulnerability is measured by the exceptions that feel like the rule. This must change. Today, far too many black people believe the police stand against them, and far too many police officers look the other way or deny the existence of any problem at all. It’s time for good police officers to stand with good citizens to change the culture."'

 

Looking ahead to tonight, there are demonstrations planned for Baltimore this afternoon as well as in Philadelphia and Milwaukee.  The march in Milwaukee is also in response to another police shooting there.  "Hardball with Chris Matthews" will bring you live continuing coverage tonight beginning at 7pm/et.