Two charged after protest outside Baltimore Police headquarters

A planned demonstration outside the Baltimore Police Department's downtown headquarters on Thursday night escalated, resulting in two people being charged, The Baltimore Banner reported.

About 15 to 20 protesters gathered to mark a National Day of Protest Against Police Brutality, part of a nationwide series of protests including cities like Newark and Minneapolis.

The protest remained peaceful until some protesters began banging on the windows and door of the Bishop L. Robinson Sr. Police Administration Building, prompting additional police response and the use of mace by at least one officer.

Two individuals were taken into custody and charged with assault, disorderly conduct, failure to obey police, and resisting or interfering with arrest, according to police.

The demonstration was organized by Justice for Donnell Rochester, an Instagram account run by the family of an 18-year-old who was fatally shot by Baltimore Police after a 2022 traffic stop. City officials previously declined to press charges against the officers involved, citing self-defense.

A large police presence remained as the rest of the group dispersed after the arrests.