Obama condemns 'senseless violence, destruction' in Baltimore

Condemning the violence that erupted after the funeral of Freddie Gray, a black man fatally injured in police custody in Baltimore, United States President Barack Obama has reportedly criticised "a handful of people" for "senseless violence and destruction."

While remarking that the issue was a "slow-rolling crisis" that had been going on for a long time, Obama said that the riots had distracted from the frustration over Gray's death, reported the BBC. He added that those who looted and started fires on Monday "should be treated like criminals."

Obama also added that the problem would not be solved just by making changes to policing. More than 1,000 protesters took to the streets in Baltimore in the US on Tuesday after Gray, who was arrested on April 12, succumbed to spinal injuries a week later.

However, the protests turned violent after demonstrators clashed with the police. Riots ensued in the city and a city-wide curfew was put in place by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake effective for a week, in order to restore order. The Mayor also called in the National Guard to address the problem.

Also Read: 15 officers injured as Baltimore erupts in riots after funeral of African American who died in police custody