International   

Obama calls for patience, calm after Texas shooting

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Barack Obama, seeking to reassure a nation shaken by the mass shooting on an Army post in Texas, said on Saturday that the training designed to keep U.S. forces safe abroad prevented further deaths and ended a rampage at Fort Hood. Praising what he called the heroism that ended gunfire at the Army post, the President described the exchange that left 13 dead and 30 others wounded on Thursday a tragedy.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Mr. Obama praised those who serve or have served in uniform and reminded the public of their diversity — a move designed to calm tensions around the suspected shooter, Major Nidal Malik Hasan.

“They are Americans of every race, faith and station. They are Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and nonbelievers,” said Mr. Obama. “They are descendants of immigrants and immigrants themselves. They reflect the diversity that makes this America. But what they share is a patriotism like no other.”

Mr. Obama called for patience while officials piece together what happened. He has delayed his visit to Japan by one day next week so that he can attend a memorial ceremony for the victims. — AP

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Brown proposes tax on bank transactions
Israel’s claim of weapons ship linked to Goldstone report: Iran
China expands Internet controls
One more hearing but little progress in the 26/11 case
“Opposition cashing in on Fonseka’s popularity”
Obama calls for patience, calm after Texas shooting
Unknown Chaplin in antique container
Unusual meteorite found in Western Australia
Hindus in U.K. launch ‘Bhumi Project’ to tackle climate change
Prize for space elevator model
China-Africa meet in Cairo
Scientists discover 22 distant galaxies

Copyright © 2009, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu