Retired neurosurgeon and potential 2016 GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson, a former resident of Baltimore, said it is “very sad and unfortunate” to see “the destruction taking place by irresponsible individuals” in the city and called for parents to keep their kids off the streets.
Violence broke out in the city after the Monday funeral of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who died earlier this month after spinal injuries sustained after being taken into police custody, and carried over into the night.
“It is vital to remember that the best way to create positive change is through peaceful conversation and policy ideas that display a commitment to resolution,” Mr. Carson wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday morning. “My thoughts and prayers are extended to those who are experiencing fear and loss during this troubling time, including the families of Mr. Gray and first responders/officers.”
City public schools were closed on Tuesday, and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced a weeklong 10 p.m to 5 a.m. curfew starting Tuesday night.
“I urge parents, grandparents and guardians to please take control of your children and do not allow them to be exposed to the dangers of uncontrolled agitators on the streets,” wrote Mr. Carson, who was the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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