Donald Trump

Clinton Speaks in Philadelphia About ‘Vicious, Appalling Attack,' Trump Postpones Event

“Implicit bias still exists in our society even in our best police departments,” Clinton said

Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton called this week's two police involved shootings and the ambush shooting of police officers in Dallas “vicious” and “appalling" during a speech in Philadelphia Friday.

Clinton addressed the 50th Quadrennial Session of the African Methodist Episcopal General Conference in Philadelphia — the day after the attack in Dallas, which left five officers dead and seven others injured.

"There is too much violence, too much hate, too much senseless killings,” she said. ”We know there is something wrong with our country.” 

During her speech, Clinton listed some of the fatal shootings that have taken place across the country, including the two latest. On Tuesday, Alton Sterling was tackled and shot by officers during a confrontation outside a convenience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The following day, an officer shot Philando Castile during a traffic stop in a St. Paul, Minnesota, suburb. Castile’s girlfriend recorded the events after the shooting. 

CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 13: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers plays during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Dignity Health Sports Park October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

“Implicit bias still exists in our society even in our best police departments,” she said, calling on an end to the “systemic racism that plagues our country.” 

She urged white Americans to “do a better job of listening when African-Americans talk,” something she said would help quell racial disparities and the tension many black people feel when dealing with law enforcement. 

"There is clear evidence that African-Americans are much more likely to be killed in police incidents than any other group of Americans," she said. 

Clinton postponed an earlier campaign event in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with Vice President Joe Biden hours after the Dallas attack. 

Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump also put off Friday’s campaign event, which was scheduled in Miami. 

“Due to the horrific events taking place in our country, I have decided to postpone my speech on economic opportunity- today in Miami,” he tweeted Friday morning. 

In a video posted to Facebook, Trump called Thursday's attack in Dallas "brutal," and said Americans must stand in "solidarity with law enforcement." 

"Every American has the right to live in safety and peace," he said. "The deaths of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota also make clear how much more work we have to do to make every American feel that their safety is protected."

President Barack Obama, speaking from the NATO summit in Poland, condemned the attack Friday morning. 

"There is no possible justification for these kinds of attacks or any violence against law enforcement," Obama said. "Anyone involved in the senseless murders will be held fully accountable. Justice will be done."  

He said Friday should be dedicated to honoring the victims and their families. 

Other politicians echoed these sympathies on Twitter as well, including former Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz, who praised the bravery of the police. 

"Men & women of law enforcement selflessly run into harm's way to save the lives of others," he wrote. "May God protect them and bring peace upon Dallas." 

Senate Minority Leader and Nevada Senator Harry Reid also issued a statement about the attacks Friday morning, calling for those responsible for the attack to "be brought to justice and held accountable for these horrific crimes." 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us