What began as a celebration of Black culture and community at Baltimore’s annual AFRAM festival ended Saturday night with police declaring a civil unrest zone after a large disturbance involving hundreds of young people, assaults on officers and a massive law enforcement response.
Baltimore Police said officers were called to Druid Hill Park shortly before 8 p.m. for reports of a large fight and minors throwing objects at officers. Two officers were assaulted as police worked to disperse the crowd and clear the area.
According to police, the area was declared a civil unrest zone due to the large group gathering in a small area of the festival. Additional resources were deployed, including Baltimore Police’s Foxtrot helicopter.
Mayor Brandon Scott announced an age restriction policy for the final day of the festival on Sunday. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Festival activities continued despite the massive police response.
An investigation is ongoing.
WJZ is a media partner with The Banner.
This story will be updated.
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