One day after riots broke out in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray, Maryland Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin took to the Senate floor, calling Monday’s violence “heartbreaking” while urging protestors to “exercise restraint.”

“Baltimore is known for its people, its friendliness and its real pride in the strong neighborhoods. That was shaken very badly during the events of yesterday,” Cardin said. “What happened to Freddie Gray is something that needs to be fully investigated … and I was pleased that we will have that independent investigation done by the Department of Justice … there were a small number that decided to take to the streets in violence. It was counterproductive to the message.”