国际英语新闻:Baltimore Officers Charged in Custody Death

A Baltimore police union said it was “appalled and frustrated” by the announcement of charges against the officers. An attempt by the organization to raise funds online for the officers’ legal fees was quickly shuttered by the fundraising website, citing a conflict with the site’s terms of service.

The union representing the six officers said none of them was responsible for Gray's death.

At a Friday news conference, the attorney for the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3, Michael Davey, said indictments against the officers amounted to an "egergious rush to judgment."

In a letter to the prosecutor, police officers said they were "sincerely saddened" by Gray's sudden death.

"Not one of the officers involved in this tragic situation left home in the morning with the anticipation that someone with whom they interacted would not go home that night," the letter says. "As tragic as this situation is, none of the officers involved are responsible for the death of Mr. Gray."

The letter also asks that a "special independent prosecutor" be appointed to handle the case, citing conflicts of interest on the part of Mosby, who has been politically supported by the lawyer for Gray's family, William H. Murphy. The letter also noted that Mosby's husband is a city councilman in the district where some of the protests took place.

When she announced the charges against the police officers, Mosby dismissed any conflict on her part.

Family 'satisfied'

The Gray family said it was "satisfied" with the indictments handed down against the police officers.

Gray's stepfather, Richard Shipley, told reporters that the indictments were an "important step in getting justice for Freddie." He added a plea for peace in the city: "Without justice, there is no peace, but let us have peace in the pursuit of justice."

Murphy, the family lawyer, also said the indictments were "a momentous step on the road to justice for Freddie." He called the work of the state's attorney's office a "measured response" that took "uNPRecedented courage."

In response to criticism of the charges by from the Baltimore police union, Murphy said the state's attorney's office took a "thorough look" at the charges. He said everyone would have to wait for the trial "to see how accurate her formulation of the charges are."

Mosby's statements Friday were met with cheers by some of those gathered to hear her speak. Mosby acknowledged those intently watching Gray's case and appealed to them for calm.

"To the people of Baltimore and the demonstrators across America, I heard your call for 'no justice, no peace,' your peace is sincerely needed as I work to deliver justice on behalf of this young man," she said.