The DHS worried Baltimore protesters would vandalize natural gas containers

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."

Gray, 25, was arrested April 12 in Baltimore and died a week later after suffering an unexplained spinal injury in police custody. Yesterday, an autopsy report obtained by the Baltimore Sun suggested Gray's "high-energy injury" was likely caused when the police van he was riding in — with shackles and no seatbelt — suddenly slowed down.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up