US President calls for national unity after police shooting

The US President's call came after three police officers were shot dead and three others injured in Baton Rouge.

US President Barack Obama yesterday (July 17) called for national unity after three police officers were shot dead in Baton Rouge, and warned against those who want to exploit the incident to fuel recent tensions.

Speaking at the press conference, President Obama emphasized that America has faced division and this is nothing new. At this time, every American needs to be careful in every word and action to better unite the country. The President also called on every American to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Police close a street in Baton Rouge after reports of a shooting there. (Photo: Reuters)

“Regardless of the motive, the deaths of these three brave officers underscore the dangers facing police officers across America,” Obama said. “As a nation, we must speak with one voice and make clear that there is no excuse for violence against law enforcement. Attacks on police officers are attacks on all Americans and on our rule of law.”

Three police officers were shot dead and three others injured in Baton Rouge less than two weeks after a black man was shot dead by police in Louisiana, sparking protests against law enforcement across the United States in recent days.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton yesterday also condemned the attack on police in Baton Rouge. In a statement, she affirmed that there is no excuse for acts of violence. The attack was not only aimed at police officers, but also at all Americans./.

According to VOV