Following news that six Baltimore police officers have been charged in the death of Freddie Gray, President Barack Obama called it "absolutely vital" that the truth comes out.
In remarks at the White House, Obama declined to comment specifically on the ongoing legal process but said, "Justice needs to be served."
"What I think the people of Baltimore want more than anything else is the truth," Obama said. "That's what people around the country expect."
The president stressed that the six police officers that were charged are entitled to due process and the rule of law.
Obama noted that newly sworn-in Attorney General Loretta Lynch is in communication with Baltimore officials to make sure the Justice Department provides any needed assistance in the investigation
In the latest in a recent string of police-involved deaths, Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man, died of a spinal cord injury while in police custody.
Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced Friday that Gray's arrest earlier this month was determined to be illegal and his death has been ruled a homicide.
Officer Caesar Goodson Jr., the driver of a transport van carrying Gray, was charged with second-degree depraved-heart murder as well as other charges.
The charges against the five other police officers involved include involuntary manslaughter, assault, and false imprisonment.
After several days of peaceful protests, the city of Baltimore experienced a massive outbreak of rioting and looting following Gray's funeral on Monday.
In his remarks on Friday, Obama noted that the protests in Baltimore in the past two days have been more thoughtful and constructive and expressed hope that approach to non-violent protest and community engagement will continue.
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