Six officers charged in Freddie Gray’s death

BALTIMORE (CNN) — Six police officers have been charged in the death of Freddie Gray, Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said Friday.

The arraignment of the officers charged in connection with the death of Freddie Gray will happen in the Mitchell courthouse Friday in downtown Baltimore, according to a source with knowledge of the proceedings. The source told CNN the officers may be given the option of appearing remotely via video conference.

In an open letter to Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, the city police union’s president said that “none of the officers involved are responsible for the death of (Freddie) Gray.” “To the contrary, at all times, each of the officers diligently balanced their obligations to protect Mr. Gray and discharge their duties to protect the public,” wrote Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police President Gene Ryan. Ryan asked in the letter, which came out just before Mosby announced that six officers face charges in Gray’s death, that a special independent prosecutor be appointed to look into the case.

UPDATE:  (CNN) — “It is a new day in our city,” U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland told reporters Friday afternoon about the charges filed against six police officers in the death of Freddie Gray. “… Hopefully now with this, our city can begin to heal, to come together, (and that) policemen and -women will look at their jobs from a different standpoint — that they are here to protect and serve.” Cummings said that the public must also respect police officers, but “it’s got to be a mutual respect thing.”

President Obama said Friday that it is vital the truth come out to make sure the legal system runs as it should and that the people of Baltimore want the truth, CNN reports from inside a pool spray in the Oval Office. The President continued that he was pleased with the constructive protests and hopes that nonviolent protests continue. The president also mentioned that the work of the Ferguson task force will continue.