President Obama releases statement on Michael Brown killing

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The shooting death of Michael Brown has sparked outrage and anger yet again over police brutality and the use of excessive force by police. The nation is talking about the killing, and in Ferguson, where Brown was killed, protests continue to emerge. President Obama has now made a comment on the unfortunate killing.

President Obama says that while the shooting death of a Missouri teenager has prompted “strong passions,” people should remember Michael Brown through “reflection and understanding.”

Obama’s thoughts came in a written statement about the 18-year-old killed by Ferguson, MO police on Saturday.

Obama says he and wife Michelle send their deepest condolences to Brown’s family and community. He says the Justice Department is continuing to investigate the situation along with local officials.

The president also called on people to comfort each other “in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.”

“The death of Michael Brown is heartbreaking, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family.” —Obama pic.twitter.com/j9R08mf0Zq

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 12, 2014

Police say there was a confrontation and then a struggle over the officer’s gun which led to Brown being shot. But witnesses tell a different tale.

Witnesses say Brown was heading back to his grandmother’s home. The officer “shot again and once my friend felt that shot, he turned around and put his hands in the air,” said witness Dorian Johnson.

“He started to get down and the officer still approached with his weapon drawn and fired several more shots.” The shooting has led to protests in the Missouri community and has caused a social media uproar.