After Freddie Gray’s murder, police in Baltimore look like an invading army. Pic credit: Arash Azizzada

I don’t know if or how it’s being reported in the UK, but in Baltimore this weekend there has been a massive spike in murders and violent assaults.

On Saturday and Sunday, 12 people were shot dead and a further 17 were injured. The total number of people killed in May is 35 and it’s rising everyday. It’s been the deadliest month since 1999.

The big question is: why?

Last month the city of Baltimore witnessed two weeks of rioting and protest after Freddie Gray’s death on 19 April. So far six Baltimore police officers have been arrested for assault, “depraved-heart” murder and false arrest.

Last week a group of New York police visited the city to advise the Baltimore Police. Nobody knows what was discussed at those meetings.

But one unnamed cop has broken ranks and has spoken anonymously to CNN. He alleges the police in Baltimore have gone on a “slow down” strike and are doing little to halt crime. He claims: “The unrest is due to cops not being proactive.”

He claims they are not walking the beat, they are carrying out no investigations, are only responding to the most urgent 911 calls and only go to crime scenes if they are three or four strong.

CNN have stated that the cop who spilled the beans is now going to leave the force.

Interestingly the Baltimore Police Department has so far refused to issue a statement refuting the cop’s claim. But another unnamed police officer said:

They don’t wasnt us, why should we protect them?We can’t do our job too many people are filming what we do.

Today hundreds of young people have blocked main roads in Baltimore in protest at cuts in student funding and increased funding for a new youth prison, and have held protests outside police stations.

The fight for justice for Freddie Gray and against racist policing goes on.

Marching for justice in Baltimore. Pic credit: Arash Azizzada