NJ State Police Graduation, August 29, 2014

N.J. State Police file photo.

(Russ Desantis/Star-Ledger)

TRENTON — New Jersey is sending 150 State Police troopers to Maryland to help restore order in Baltimore after riots erupted in the city, Gov. Chris Christie announced Tuesday.

Christie ordered a State Police "assessment team" to Maryland after he spoke with Gov. Larry Hogan Monday evening, Christie announced on his Twitter account. Additional troopers, including 100 troopers providing "operational support," will travel to Maryland throughout today.

Christie announced his decision to send New Jersey personnel to Maryland in seven tweets on Tuesday afternoon.

"I spoke directly with Maryland Governor (Larry Hogan) last night and let him know that New Jersey is offering our full support (and) solidarity ... in their efforts to protect the lives and well-being of the people in the city of Baltimore while calm and order are being restored," Christie said.

Riots broke out in Baltimore Monday following the funeral of Freddie Gray, 25, an African-American who died in police custody. Rioters looted stores and set police cars and buildings on fire, according to published reports.

Maryland's governor requested State Police for at least 72 hours, Christie said.

Acting Attorney General John Hoffman, speaking at a state Senate hearing in Trenton Tuesday, told lawmakers Maryland officials requested the assistance.

"Last night we received an EMAC, a request for assistance, late last night from the state of Maryland for other jurisdictions to come and provide help in preserving the peace in Baltimore and in protecting the citizenry and protecting the infrastructure," Hoffman said.

"I had discussions late last night with the governor and with the colonel for the State Police and dealing with the EMAC request that had come down and made a decision I thought it as prudent and wise...to provide assistance for what was perceived certainly as a cry for help and at the same time to make sure we did that in way that exemplified the decision and professionalism that State Police of New Jersey has," he said.

Christie was asked about the riots Monday evening during his monthly radio show.

"It's easy enough, from a distance, to critique elected officials," Christie said on New Jersey 101.5 FM. "And it's a little bit too early for us to have a post-mortem on this — and the events. I am going to say, let's let the law enforcement professionals and the leaders deal with this problem."

Chrisite added that he had "absolute faith and confidence in Gov. Hogan that he'll be able to help in handling this situation."

Christie had worked to help elect Hogan governor during his term as chairman of the Republican Governors Association last year.

I spoke directly with Maryland Governor @LarryHogan last night and let him know that New Jersey is offering our full support & solidarity... — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) April 28, 2015

…in their efforts to protect the lives and well-being of the people in the city of Baltimore while calm and order are being restored. — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) April 28, 2015

Following my conversation with Gov @LarryHogan, the @NJSP placed an assessment team on the ground in Maryland. — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) April 28, 2015

And our full deployment of @NJSP will unfold later today to help ensure a peaceful resolution for the city and people of Baltimore. — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) April 28, 2015

There will be a deployment of 150 @NJSP and personnel and 100 of those troopers will provide operational support. — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) April 28, 2015

Approximately 50 enlisted and civilian personnel will provide investigative and logistical support. — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) April 28, 2015

.@NJSP will be on the ground for the initial term of 72 hours, as per the request from Maryland. — Governor Christie (@GovChristie) April 28, 2015

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.