Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One today, White House press secretary Josh Earnest reacted to the attack against the Draw Muhammad Contest in Garland, Texas.
“We have seen extremists try to use expressions that they considered to be offensive as a way to justify violence not only in this country but around the world, and in the mind of the president there is no form of expression that would justify an act of violence,” Earnest said, when questioned by reporters.
Earlier this morning, White House officials confirmed that President Obama was briefed on the attacks after they occurred on Sunday.
Earnest also praised law enforcement officials for their quick response to the attacks.
“We saw a pretty important and notable display of bravery on the part of first responders and … because of their courage the only person that was injured by these gunmen was a security officer,” he said.
Obama has not released a statement reacting to the attacks as he travels to New York City today to launch a new non-profit organization “My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.”