Many prefer in retrospect to use the hashtag #BaltimoreUprising, but the Freddie Gray “protest” consisted of days of rioting, looting and arson in and around the Baltimore neighborhood where Gray was arrested, followed by further protests when six police officers were indicted in connection with Gray’s death. One of the leaders of the protests was the Rev. Westley West, who on Sunday launched his campaign for a seat on the Baltimore City Council, after changing his party affiliation from Green to Democrat.
In Dist. 7, Westley West withdrew as Green, refiled as Dem. (12/22); has announcement re: campaign slated tomorrow https://t.co/QtcNRCN4oi
— kalani (@kalanigordon) January 2, 2016
This is the year we vote @Pastor__West into office! It'll be a great year for West Baltimore 7th district ! #West2016
— Westley West (@ElectPastorWest) January 1, 2016
Sun Jan 3, 2016 @ 1:30p I'll be unveiling a special announcement & address Baltimore’s toughest challenges. Join me! W. North & Pennsylvania
— Westley West (@ElectPastorWest) January 1, 2016
Hey Baltimore #7thDistrictMatters ✍? pic.twitter.com/z5HdUe940j
— Westley West (@ElectPastorWest) January 2, 2016
Rev. Westley West running for 7th council district seat district was epic center of Bmore's unrest in April pic.twitter.com/9jRAED8PUh
— manny locke (@realmannynation) January 3, 2016
Help make 2016 a year full of progress. Chip in today. https://t.co/5nbtggA49u pic.twitter.com/9whwErs1xg
— Westley West (@ElectPastorWest) January 3, 2016
The Baltimore Sun notes that the timing of West’s announcement might not be the best. On Dec. 29th, West was charged with one count of misdemeanor theft, allegedly using the bank account routing number from a former employer to donate $1,000 to himself and his church.
Rev. Westley West, who led #FreddieGray protests and is running for City Council, is charged w/ theft in Balto. Co. https://t.co/JfqiKY6bN7
— Colin Campbell ☀️ (@cmcampbell6) January 4, 2016
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City Council candidate Rev. Westley West charged with theft in Baltimore Co. https://t.co/d2BbtjCh1v pic.twitter.com/z8v6G3o6cR
— Sun Latest News (@BaltSunBrk) January 4, 2016
During a pre-trial hearing in September of the six police officers charged with Gray’s death, West was arrested on charges of attempting to incite a riot, malicious destruction of property, disorderly conduct, disturbance of the peace, false imprisonment, and failure to obey for stopping traffic during a protest.
West does have vision, but it will take more than $1,000 to turn his district into the Inner Harbor.
This looks Beautiful, but what about the part of the city I'm from? West Baltimore should be as beautiful. #West2016 pic.twitter.com/5aFDS5o6i2
— Westley West (@ElectPastorWest) January 4, 2016
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