A Baltimore police officer was acquitted of all charges on Monday relating to the death of Freddie Gray, a black man who died in police custody last year.
Officer Edward Nero, the second of six officers charged in the case to stand trial, was found not guilty of four misdemeanor charges. The trial of the first officer to face charges ended in a hung jury in December. Gray’s death last April sparked protests and riots and became a symbol of long-standing distrust between Baltimore’s black community and police.
Reactions on Twitter ranged from outrage to resigned disappointment:
The stark reality is that neither the laws nor the policies lean towards police accountability. From the contract to the laws, it's flawed.
— deray (@deray) May 23, 2016
When #FreddieGray receives no justice, we all receive no justice.
— L E F T, PhD ⚫️ (@LeftSentThis) May 23, 2016
#FreddieGray wasn't even afforded the opportunity to face the "justice system." He was killed in custody. Miss me.
— #KIDDKASH💰 (@KIDD__KASH) May 23, 2016
Not surprised at all after Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner 😑 #FreddieGray
— King Jaffe Joffer (@HeyshunHustla) May 23, 2016
Since Officer Nero won’t be, who WILL be held accountable for the death of #FreddieGray? @MayorSRB
— Jawn Flick (@kidnoble) May 23, 2016
The acquittal of the Baltimore Officer is yet another reminder that Black life isn't worth much in this nation.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) May 23, 2016
Ugh RT @gaywonk: MSNBC is showing old Baltimore riot footage in its Freddie Gray coverage: https://t.co/nMaW6Mb4rE
— Sister Mary Clarence (@ThisIsBoonie) May 23, 2016
Others cheered the verdict or responded with mocking sarcasm:
We can now expect the usual calm, orderly, self-restrained response we've all come to anticipate from Baltimore.https://t.co/43qw2JImzb
— John Schindler (@20committee) May 23, 2016
fantastic news, officer Edward Nero (Baltimore) acquitted by a black judge on all counts (Freddie Gray)case,.. @BlueLivesMatter 😁
— Conservative🇺🇸Badboy™ (@PatriotJackIII) May 23, 2016
