Obama Calls For Calm Following Missouri Shooting

President Obama is calling for calm and healing in a St. Louis suburb rocked by the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager by a police officer.

Speaking after four nights of clashes between police and protesters, Obama remarked that there's never an excuse for violence against police or for vandalism and looting. He also said that police should avoid using excessive force against protesters or bullying journalists who are there covering the protests.

Obama remarked that he has ordered the Department of Justice and the FBI to conduct investigations in the shooting of Michael Brown. He said the Justice Department is working with authorities in St. Louis to find ways to protect public safety without restricting the right to protest.

Obama emphasized that when there's a shooting like the one that occurred in Ferguson, the police have a responsibility to be open and transparent about how they're investigating the incident. (Metro Networks Inc.)