As Baltimore's top prosecutor Marilyn Mosby read off a long list of charges against six police officers in the death of Freddie Gray, it was clear that this was a historical moment.
As this story continues to unfold, 35-year-old Mosby has stepped forward into the spotlight, vowing to bring justice to Baltimore for Gray.
[brightcove video=4209224420001]
"No one is above the law and that I would pursue justice on their behalf."
Mosby said she met with Gray's family to discuss procedural steps. She said she assured them that she would do everything she could to bring justice. She also recognized city leaders, community organizers, clergy and men and women in uniform who stepped in on Monday night during the riots.
"No matter what your occupation, your age, your race, your color or your creed..."
Mosby said she took her investigative responsibilities seriously, no matter who allegedly committed the crime. "The citizens of Baltimore city elected me as the state’s attorney and it is precisely what I did in the case of Freddie Gray," she said.
"I heard your call for 'no justice, no peace.'"
After reading a long list of charges against the six officers, Mosby asked the community to keep calm as she "work[s] to deliver justice" for Gray and his family.
"To those that are angry, hurt, or have their own experiences of injustice at the hands of police officers, I urge you to channel the energy peacefully as we prosecute this case," she added.
"I come from five generations of law enforcement."
It's not her most powerful quote by any means, but it is an important fact about Mosby's background that she revealed today. Her father, mother and several of aunts and uncles were police officers, and her grandfather was a founding member of the first black police organization in Massachusetts.
She assured the other Baltimore officers that the charges were not an "indictment on the entire force."
"To the youth of this city, I will seek justice on your behalf. This is a moment. This is your moment."
Teenagers made up the majority of rioters who caused chaos in the city on Monday night. Baltimore is home to systemic poverty, and its youth are extremely vulnerable. One December study found that Baltimore's 15- to 19-year-old residents have it worse than those in Nigeria when it comes to quality of life.
"You’re at the forefront of this cause, and as young people, our time is now."
Anger has been swelling in Baltimore for years, and Mosby recognized that. She spoke directly to those teenagers.