The city of Baltimore has approved a $6.4 million settlement to the family of Freddie Gray

Baltimore’s Board of Estimates, which handles the city’s financial affairs, has approved a $6.4 million deal to settle civil clams tied to the death of Freddie Gray. This ensures that his family members would not have to sit through years of litigations.

"This settlement represents an opportunity to bring closure to the Gray family, the community and the city," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

However, the president of the Baltimore police union warned that awarding a settlement in the case could affect the trial of the six accused officers.

"To suggest that there is any reason to settle prior to the adjudication of the pending criminal cases is obscene and without regard to the fiduciary responsibility owed to (taxpayers)," said Gene Ryan, president of the Baltimore Fraternal Order of Police according to CNN.

"There has been no civil litigation filed, nor has there been any guilt determined that would require such a ridiculous reaction."

Ryan even tried to convince the board to reject the settlement.

"This news threatens to interrupt any progress made toward restoring the relationship between the members of the Baltimore Police Department and the Baltimore city government," he said.

Baltimore Mayor said Ryan’s statements confused her because the awarding of this settlement means that the six officers can no longer be sued in civil court.

"Gene's statements continue to baffle me, because what this settlement does is remove any (civil) liability from the six officers," she said.

Do you think the city made the right decision by settling? Why or why not?

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ora Media, LLC its affiliates, or its employees.

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