Social media captures fiery images of Baltimore riots

State of emergency declared as unrest is seen in pockets of city

An abandoned Baltimore Police car at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North Avenue that was damaged during a protest for the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Md, April 27, 2015. (EPA/NOAH SCIALOM)

Riots erupted in Baltimore Monday afternoon, hours after thousands mourned Freddie Gray — the man who died earlier this month while in police custody — at a funeral where his family and other community leaders called for peace.

Television footage showed rioters setting police cars on fire, looting stores and throwing rocks at officers. At least 15 police officers were hurt, officials said, and nearly 200 arrests were made.

Social media lit up with images of an increasingly chaotic scene.


After hours of unrest, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency and put National Guard troops on alert after 7 p.m. ET. The Major League Baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles was postponed.


Several celebrities, including Montel Williams, who grew up in Baltimore, weighed in on Twitter.


Larry Wilmore, host of Comedy Central's "The Nightly Show," called for calm.


David Simon, the creator of HBO's "The Wire," which was set in Baltimore, wrote a blog post denouncing the violence.


Some sought to place blame.


Others praised those trying to stop the looting and bring peace.


Meanwhile, former and current members of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens were saddened by the chain of events.