National Guard Deployed as Riots Erupt in Baltimore

"Democracy Now!" airs weekdays at 9 a.m. PT on KCET.

For the second time in six months, National Guard troops have been deployed in response to police brutality protests. Baltimore erupted in violence Monday night over the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African-American man who died of neck injuries suffered in police custody.

Police say at least 27 people were arrested as cars and stores were set on fire, and at least 15 officers were injured. Baltimore public schools are closed, and a weeklong curfew is in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Thousands gathered on Monday to pay their respects during Freddie Gray's funeral, including "Democracy Now!" guest Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader and president and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Jackson says the violence "diverts attention away from the real issue" that West Baltimore is an "oasis of poverty and pain," where residents have long suffered from police abuse and economic neglect. "Democracy Now!" also speaks with Lawrence Bell, former Baltimore City Council president. He grew up in and represented the impoverished area where Freddie Gray was arrested, and argues the "chickens are coming home to roost."

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