President Obama weighed in Friday on the shooting of unarmed black
teenager Trayvon Martin, calling it a national tragedy — and saying that
the young man reminded him of his own children.
“When I think about this boy, I think about my own kids,” Obama said
in Rose Garden remarks. “I think every parent in America should be able
to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every
aspect of this. And that everybody pull together.”
Obama has come under fire from some black leaders for failing to
comment on a case that has become a major national story — and brought
thousands of Americans into the streets for demonstrations calling for
the arrest of Martin’s shooter. One black leader even wondered
why Obama called a Georgetown student who was attacked by Rush
Limbaugh, but not Martin’s family. Obama’s comments Friday represent the
first time the president has addressed the growing controversy.
“But my main message is to the parents of Trayvon Martin. You know,
if I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon,” Obama said. “All of us as
Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves.”
