Obama on Baltimore: 'Justice needs to be served'

Protesters gather after Freddie Gray&#039;s death

(Image credit: Mark Makela/Stringer/Getty Images)

last updated 1 May 2015

After Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby announced Friday that the death of Freddie Gray, who died of a spinal injury while in policy custody, has been ruled a homicide, President Obama weighed in on the situation in Baltimore.

In taped comments from the White House, Obama said that "it is absolutely vital that the truth comes out on what happened" to Gray. He added that while he couldn't comment on the case's legal processes, "justice needs to be served."

"In the meantime, I'm gratified we've seen the constructive, thoughtful protests that have been taking place — peaceful, but clear calls for accountability that those have been managed over the last couple of days in a way that's ultimately positive for Baltimore and positive for the country," Obama said. "And I hope that approach to nonviolent protest and community engagement continues."