YORK, Pa. - Hundreds of Pennsylvania State Police stage in York County in preparation for deployment to Baltimore this weekend. Troopers drawn from barracks throughout the Commonwealth gathered at the York Fairgrounds for a closed door briefing.
It is unknown how long the troopers will stay in Maryland assisting local law enforcement. Baltimore faces at least two large demonstrations this weekend to protest the death of Freddie Gray after injuries he reportedly sustained while in police custody. A riot broke out after his funeral on Monday. 93 police officers have been injured since then including 43 who sustained serious injuries.
On Wednesday the mayor of Baltimore imposed a seven day curfew from 10 pm to 5 pm for all citizens except emergency personnel and those commuting to and from work.
Pennsylvania State Police will be equipment to handle any type of disturbance. Pennsylvania offered assistance in response to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request by Maryland earlier this week. The troopers could be headed south as early as Friday morning.