Former Baltimore Ravens star Ray Lewis took to Facebook with a video message for violent protestors in Baltimore: “Get off the streets. Violence is not the answer.”
The former linebacker made an impassioned plea to those who participated in raucous riots Monday night that led to looting, arson and a dozen police injuries, calling their actions “wrong” and ineffective.
The formerly peaceful protests over Freddie Gray’s death in police custody turned violent after his funeral on Monday. Lewis mentioned Gray in his video and noted, “We don’t do nothing for him doing this.”
“Too many babies [are] paying attention to this craziness,” Lewis said. “And the sad part is, we got young kids trying to tell us how they’re going to dictate our city.”
See the Clashes in Baltimore After Freddie Gray's Funeral
A rioter stands atop a burning car as another man pours fuel onto the fire while Baltimore firefighters behind them fight fires in multiple burning buildings set ablaze by rioters during clashes in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Jim Bourg—Reuters
Firefighters battle a blaze after riots in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Jerry Jackson—TNS /Landov
Two cars burn in the middle of an intersection during riots near New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Andrew Burton—Getty Images
Protestors and pedestrians walk down Pennsylvania Avenue as smoke from a nearby CVS on fire covers the area in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Noah Scialom—EPA
A demonstrator raises his fist as police stand in formation as a store burns during unrest following the funeral of Freddie Gray in Baltimore on Monday, April 27, 2015.
Patrick Semansky—AP
Demonstrators climb on a destroyed Baltimore Police car in the street near the corner of Pennsylvania and North avenues during violent protests following the funeral of Freddie Gray in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Chip Somodevilla—Getty Images
Police carry an injured officer from the streets near Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Brendan Smialowski—AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator looks up after being sprayed with pepper spray during clashes in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Shannon Stapleton—Reuters
A man walks past a burning police vehicle in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Patrick Semansky—AP
Police put out a fire while responding to people protesting after the funeral of Freddie Gray in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Michael Reynolds—EPA
Police officers arrest a man near Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Drew Angerer—Getty Images
Police officers use pepper spray against demonstrators after the funeral of Freddie Gray in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Jose Luis Magana—AP
Baltimore police officers tackle and arrest looters after they emerged from a "Deals" store with merchandise during clashes between rioters and police in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Jim Bourg—Reuters
A protestor unrolls police caution tape on North Avenue and Fulton Street during a protest for the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Noah Scialom—EPA
A man hurls a rock at Baltimore police officers outside the Mondawmin Mall following the funeral of Freddie Gray in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Chip Somodevilla—Getty Images
Police officers walk in formation on Reisterstown Road near Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore on April 27, 2015 .
Drew Angerer—Getty Images
Baltimore police officers form a line in front of protesters near Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Brendan Smialowski—AFP/Getty Images
A woman cries as demonstrators throw rocks at police officers during clashes in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Shannon Stapleton—Reuters
Protesters surround a police officer near Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Drew Angerer—Getty Images
Friends and relatives say their last goodbyes to Freddie Gray as his casket is lowered into his grave at the Woodland Cemetery in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Chip Somodevilla—Getty Images
A pillow depicts the image of Freddie Gray inside his open casket during the funeral at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Michael Reynolds—EPA
Gloria Darden, mother of Freddie Gray, is comforted as she embraces his body before his funeral at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Patrick Semansky—AP
Gloria Darden, mother of Freddie Gray, is embraced before her son's funeral at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.
Brendan Smialowski—AFP/Getty Images
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