Update from Sun reporter Natalie Sherman:
Rev. Jamal H. Bryant, pastor at the Empowerment Temple in Northwest Baltimore, said a mistrial “should not be confused with not guilty” and asked people to remain calm, so there is no pressure to relocate the trial.
“The only thing that gives me a glimmer of hope is knowing that he can be retried,” Bryant said.
“I knew this was going to be a difficult case,” he added. “I think this is an indication of the other five … . It’s not going to be a lay-up. We’re going to have to dribble all the way down the court.”
From Sun reporter Yvonne Wenger:
A line of law enforcement officers stood guard outside City Hall, as a growing group of protesters staged peacefully under a Christmas tree in front of the War Memorial Plaza.
Nearby, Paul Rucker of Highlandtown laid out a few dozen musical instrument cases on the lawn in front of City Hall shortly after 4 p.m. as a symbolic statement about "lives cut short." He said the justice system needs radical reform, including steroid tests for officers.
From Sun reporter Ian Duncan:
Tessa Hill-Aston, the head of the Baltimore NAACP chapter, said she was disappointed by the outcome Wednesday but was looking ahead to the trials of the other officers.
“But at least we know the indictment process is working in Baltimore,” she said.
STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSWOMAN AND SENATE CANDIDATE DONNA EDWARDS (D-MD)
"I am frustrated by today's mistrial. Gloria Darden is still waiting for justice for her son, and communities in Baltimore and around the country fighting systemic racial problems are once again left with more questions than answers.
We must have faith in Baltimore's resiliency, and the city's residents who are asked to sit in judgment. It is my hope that all of us will remain steadfast in support of Baltimore and Gloria Darden -- my thoughts are with her family and the city."

STATEMENT FROM U.S. SENATOR BEN CARDIN
“The death of Freddie Gray was a tragedy that fueled a national conversation about the need for equal justice and expanded opportunities in the African-American community. We cannot bring Freddie Gray back to his family, but we as a community can work together to repair and rebuild the trust between our police and the neighborhoods they are sworn to protect and serve.
“As the trials related to Freddie Gray’s death continue, let us join together to honor his memory by raising our voices in the name of peace and unity. We must push forward in the fight to make historic changes in our criminal justice system and simultaneously work to bring more economic development and economic opportunities to all corners of our city.
“I urge residents to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully. As this process unfolds, let us reject violence, vandalism or other actions that might hurt our communities and local businesses. I am committed to working closely with all of our federal partners to bring Baltimore the diverse resources it needs to fully mend the divisions in the city and ensure equal justice under the law and real opportunity for all its residents.”
STATEMENT FROM BERNARD C. "JACK" YOUNG, BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
“I would like to thank the 12 residents of the City of Baltimore for their diligent service as jurors in the state’s case against Officer William Porter, who stood trial as a defendant in the death of Freddie Gray.
As we begin to process the outcome of this case ending in a mistrial, let us respect the efforts of the men and women of the jury.
As Baltimore continues to heal from April’s unrest, I would ask that the citizens of Baltimore, and her guests, continue to engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue and actions that serve to improve our great city.”
Update from Sun reporter Doug Donovan:
Maurice Sessomes has lived on the same block as William Porter's parents for 30 years, across the street off Cold Spring Lane near Loyola University.
"It's just a mess. He was an excellent kid. Never gave his parents any problems and became a police officer," he said. "I watched him grow up."
"It's sad. I'm hoping for the best for him"
There was no answer at Porter's parents' house.