‘Hands up, don’t shoot’ Watch the moment protesting crowds in Dallas run in fear as gunshots ring out
US President Barack Obama is deeply troubled by the fatal shooting of two black men by white police officers – events that led to protests across the nation and shooting of several police officers in Dallas‚ Texas.
Obama said the shooting of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile was symptomatic of racial disparities in the US justice system which needed to be addressed.
The White House published his reaction to the death of the two men on its Facebook page.
“All Americans should be deeply troubled by the fatal shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge‚ Louisiana and Philando Castile in Falcon Heights‚ Minnesota. We’ve seen such tragedies far too many times‚ and our hearts go out to the families and communities who’ve suffered such a painful loss‚” said Obama.
“Although I am constrained in commenting on the particular facts of these cases‚ I am encouraged that the US Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation in Baton Rouge‚ and I have full confidence in their professionalism and their ability to conduct a thoughtful‚ thorough‚ and fair inquiry.
“But regardless of the outcome of such investigations‚ what’s clear is that these fatal shootings are not isolated incidents. They are symptomatic of the broader challenges within our criminal justice system‚ the racial disparities that appear across the system year after year‚ and the resulting lack of trust that exists between law enforcement and too many of the communities they serve‚” he said.
While admitting “we’ve got a serious problem”‚ he emphasised his respect for the “vast majority of police officers who put their lives on the line to protect us every single day”.
“It is to say that‚ as a nation‚ we can and must do better to institute the best practices that reduce the appearance or reality of racial bias in law enforcement.”
He asked for recognition of the anger‚ frustration and grief expressed by those who were protesting peacefully and holding vigils.
“Michelle and I share those feelings. Rather than fall into a predictable pattern of division and political posturing‚ let’s reflect on what we can do better. Let’s come together as a nation‚ and keep faith with one another‚ in order to ensure a future where all of our children know that their lives matter‚” said Obama. – Tiso Black Star Group Digital