No justification for murder of NYC police: Obama

HONOLULU — President Barack Obama says he unconditionally condemns the murder of two police officers shot in broad daylight yesterday (Dec 20) in New York.

Mr Obama said there was no justification for the slayings. He said police offers risk their own safety to serve and protect their communities and that they deserve the public’s respect and gratitude.

Authorities say that before shooting the officers, the gunman announced online he planned to shoot two “pigs” in retaliation for the police chokehold death of Eric Garner. The gunman later killed himself.

Mr Obama is asking Americans to reject violence and harmful words. He’s encouraging people instead to embrace words that heal, and to seek out prayer and sympathy for the victims’ relatives.

The family of Michael Brown, who was killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, also released a statement yesterday condemning the shooting.

The statement released by the Parks & Crump law firm says Brown’s family rejects “any kind of violence directed toward members of law enforcement. It cannot be tolerated”.

It calls on citizens to “work together to bring peace to our communities”.

The brief statement concludes saying, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the officers’ families during this incredibly difficult time.” AGENCIES