The decision to bring charges against six Baltimore police officers for the death of Freddie Gray set off a jubilant reaction across the city in stark contrast to Monday’s violence.

The announcement by Maryland state prosecutor Marilyn J. Mosby that the officers would face charges ranging from second-degree murder to assault and manslaughter in Gray’s death sparked spontaneous celebrations.

At the location of Monday’s worst rioting, there was also honking and people in the streets cheering.

Many Baltimore residents cheered including Keona, one of the citizens who video taped Gray’s arrest who said she was very pleased with the decision to charge the police officers.

WATCH: Keona talks to VOA’s Victoria Macchi.

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“I am shocked that they were charged but I am happy they were charged,” James Crump, 46, a medical technician told the Associated Press. “People are happy and celebrating, and it’s not even New Year’s Eve.”

Ciara Ford, of Baltimore, told AP she was surprised by the decision to prosecute police suspects.

“I’m ecstatic,” she said. “I hope this can restore some peace.”

“It makes you cry,” said Stephanie Owens of Columbia.

Ted Sutton, a community activist was surprised by how quickly the decision to prosecute was made.

“She took the time to critique the evidence,” he told AP. “To have each person charged with what they actually did, to have it come out this quick … this is something else.”

However, not all Baltimore residents were satisfied with the charges.

Renee Mikins, a Baltimore resident, told VOA that the charges should have been more severe. She said the charges were a “whitewashing” and that the officers should have been charge with first- and second-degree murder.

VOA’s Chris Simkins and Victoria Macchi contributed to this report from Baltimore, some material came from the Associated Press contributed to this report.

 
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