Police officers in riot gear block Reisterstown Road near Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore, Maryland on April 27, 2015, during a riot over the death of Freddie Gray. Gray, 25, died after suffering a spinal cord injury while being arrested Baltimore City Police. Photo by Gabriella Demczuk/UPI | License Photo

Police in riot gear throw tear gas at protestors near Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore, Maryland on April 27, 2015, during a riot over the death of Freddie Gray. Gray, 25, died after suffering a spinal cord injury while being arrested by Baltimore City Police. Photo by Gabriella Demczuk/UPI | License Photo

Demonstrators stop a bus on Reisterstown Rd. near Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore, Maryland on April 27, 2015, during a riot over the death of Freddie Gray. Gray, 25, died after suffering a spinal cord injury while being arrested by Baltimore City Police. Photo by Gabriella Demczuk/UPI | License Photo

Donald Trump disgusted many on Twitter with his post about the Baltimore riots. File Photo by Molly Riley/UPI | License Photo

NEW YORK, April 28 (UPI) -- As Baltimore erupted with rioting Monday night, presidential hopeful Donald Trump took to Twitter to air his opinions, which many users deemed racist and insensitive.

"Our great African-American president hasn't exactly had a positive impact on the thugs who are so happily and openly destroying Baltimore!" he tweeted.


Our great African American President hasn't exactly had a positive impact on the thugs who are so happily and openly destroying Baltimore! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2015

Thousands responded with disgust to the tweet.

Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency for Maryland, activating the National Guard to begin restoring order in the city. Violent riots broke out following Freddie Gray's funeral Monday resulting in several injuries among law enforcement.