TORONTO — A fundraising website didn’t waste any time removing a donation page on its site for the six Baltimore police officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray. GoFundMe took the page down a mere 40 minutes after it was posted, according to reports.
The page violated the site’s terms of service, specifically “campaigns in defense of formal charges or claims of heinous crimes, violent, hateful, sexual or discriminatory acts.”
The six officers face charges ranging from manslaughter to second degree murder. Freddie Gray, 25, suffered a spinal injury while in police custody after an April 12 arrest. He died one week later. After an investigation his death was ruled a homicide.
READ MORE: Who are the Baltimore cops charged in Freddie Gray’s death?
Peaceful protests over Gray’s death turned into violent clashes with police. Stores were looted and a senior’s centre was among the buildings set on fire. The announcement of the charges brought relief and even dancing in the streets for Gray’s supporters. A nightly curfew of 10 p.m., imposed due to the unrest, has now been lifted.
The police department stands behind its officers and vowed to fight the charges. A message regarding donating to the officers’ cause states the encouragement and support for the officers “has been overwhelming.”
“Please know that these donations are very appropriate as these officers will be suffering a loss or reduction of pay and benefits until such time as they are rightfully acquitted.”
A PayPal link tweeted by the police department’s FOP, “the voice of the active and retired officers of the Baltimore City Police Department,” allows donations to be made to an “Officer Distress Fund.”
The six officers have all been released on bond.
Gray’s family said Friday they are “satisfied” with the charges against the officers.
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