The DHS worried Baltimore protesters would vandalize natural gas containers

Baltimore Protests
(Image credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Following the death of Freddie Gray on April 19, Department of Homeland Security officials feared a "catastrophic incident" if protesters were to target a plant holding liquid natural gas containers. The information, which was obtained by Vice under the Freedom of Information Act, showed that the Exelon Corporation had contacted the FBI with concerns that their security could be breached. "Given the current scope of activity and expected protests this upcoming weekend, the potential exists for these containers to be targeted for vandalism or worse," a DHS intelligence update said.

Another document revealed that 400 Federal Protective Service officers were on site to protect "high-risk federal facilities." Additionally, 1,783 National Guard troops were assigned to Baltimore; of them, 298 were deployed "on mission."

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.