The Long Fuse Behind the Violence in Baltimore

After two weeks of high tensions and mostly peaceful demonstrations in the wake of the death of Freddie Gray, violence beset Baltimore on Monday afternoon and fanned through the city overnight. In the bright light of morning, answers may not be immediate, but longterm and systemic, rooted in the special distrust between Baltimore residents and police.

Last night, clashes with police and looting continued after dark, as angry crowds set fire to cars in the streets and in several establishments in West Baltimore. At least 15 civilians and 15 police officers were injured. The Baltimore school district canceled classes on Tuesday, and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced a weeklong citywide curfew, starting Tuesday night.