OBAMA: 'This Is Not Just An Issue For Ferguson, This Is An Issue For America'
In his remarks, which were announced just a few minutes before they occurred, Obama encouraged those who might protest the verdict to do so peacefully. He also acknowledged there are real "problems" and a "deep distrust" that exists "between law enforcement and people of color" around the country.
"We need to recognize that the situation in Ferguson speaks to the broader challenges that we face across the nation," Obama said.
Protests erupted in August in the days after Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson shot and killed teenager Michael Brown. Those demonstrations resulted in some vandalism and were met with a violent crackdown by local law enforcement. Wilson has said he shot Brown in self defense, however, some witnesses have said the teenager had his hands up and was running away when he was killed.
Obama noted the grand jury decision was a result "that either way was going to be subject of intense disagreement, not only in Ferguson, but across America."
"First and foremost, we are a nation built on the rule of law and we must accept that this decision was the grand jury's to make," said the president.
Obama noted some people might agree with the verdict while others would be "disappointed, even angry." He encouraged anyone upset by the decision to express themselves without violence.
"I'm asking anyone who protests to do so peacefully," Obama said.
In his speech, Obama read a statement from Brown's father that was issued before the verdict.
"After the grand jury's decision, we are asking for four-and-a-helf minutes of silence to remember why we lift our voices," Michael Brown Sr. said in that statement. "We are not here to be violent. We are here in memory of our son."
Obama argued Brown's family "lost more than anyone."
"We should be honoring their wishes," said Obama.
In addition to urging the protesters to remain peaceful, Obama called on law enforcement to show "care and restraint" in "managing peaceful protests that might occur."
He also discussed what he described as "problems" that exist with law enforcement in "communities of color."
"We need to recognize that this is not just an issue for Ferguson, this is an issue for America," Obama said.
Obama pointed out there has been "enormous progress ... in race relations over the past sev decades." Still he argued there "are still problems."
"Communities of color aren't just making those problems up," said the president.
Following Brown's death, the Department of Justice began investigating the police in Ferguson and Attorney General Eric Holder has said "the need for wholesale change in that department is appropriate." In spite of this, there appears to be little chance that Wilson will face federal charges for the shooting. According to The Washington Post, sources have said the Justice Department did not have a strong enough case to charge Wilson and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he intended to violate Brown's constitutional rights.
This post is being continuously updated with details from the president's remarks.