Obama speaks to Baltimore mayor, pledges federal help amid riots over death of Freddie Gray

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is pledging the federal government’s help to respond to riots that have broken out in Baltimore following the funeral of Freddie Gray.

Obama spoke on Monday with Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. The White House says the mayor updated Obama on the situation and that Obama told her his administration would provide assistance as needed. Obama’s senior adviser also spoke Monday with Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

The White House says Obama also discussed the rioting with Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who was sworn in hours earlier.

Obama and Lynch met in the Oval Office while violent scenes of rioting in Baltimore played out on television. Gray died April 19 after suffering a mysterious spinal injury while in police custody. The Justice Department and local authorities are investigating.

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