US leaders calls for calm after racial motivated shootings

Image
Press Trust of India Washington
Last Updated : Jul 08 2016 | 11:42 PM IST
Top American leaders today called for calm after a series of racial motivated shootings, including the deadliest killing of five police officials in Dallas, stunned the US.
Five officers were killed and another 12 injured in a shooting in Dallas last night during a peaceful protest that was organised in response of the tragic deaths of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota.
The US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said an FBI investigation will be launched into the Dallas killing.
The US Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation in Louisiana and is providing assistance to local authorities in Minnesota who are leading the investigation there, she said.
"After the events of this week, Americans across the county are feeling a sense of helplessness, of uncertainty and of fear. These feelings are understandable and they are justified. But the answer must not be violence. The answer is never violence," Lynch said.
"Rather, the answer must be action: calm, peaceful, collaborative and determined action. We must continue working to build trust between communities and law enforcement. We must continue working to guarantee every person in this country equal justice under the," the Attorney General said.
US President Barack Obama said America is horrified over these killings.
"We stand united with the people and the police department in Dallas," he said at Warsaw where he is meeting with NATO and European Union leaders.
Obama has ordered that the national flag fly at half-staff in honour of the victims of the Dallas attack.
Taking the podium on the floor of the US House of Representatives, Speaker Paul Ryan said he is stunned by the events last night in Dallas.
"We are all outraged. An attack on the people who protect us is an attack on all of us," he said.
"There will be a temptation to let our anger harden our divisions. Let's not let that happen. There's going to be a temptation to let our anger send us further into our corners. Let's not let that happen. That script is just easy to write-it's too predictable. Let's defy those predictions," he said.
"A few perpetrators of evil do not represent us. They do not control us. The blame lies with the people who committed these vicious acts, and no one else. And as the president rightfully said, justice will be done," Ryan said.
"I'm horrified by the murder of five law enforcement officials in Dallas and the wounding of many other officers and innocent civilians," said Senator John McCain.
Leaders of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) joined millions across the nation in expressing horror and grief at the deliberate killing of five Dallas police officers and the wounding of 12 officers and two civilians.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 08 2016 | 11:42 PM IST

Next Story