As the ongoing Michael Brown investigation and protests in Ferguson continue to dominate cable news, broadcast networks provided special coverage this afternoon as President Obama issued his second statement on the killing of the 18-year-old. The president also provided an update on ongoing U.S. military operations in Iraq.
On Iraq, the president announced Iraqi forces have retaken control of Iraq’s Mosul Dam from ISIS and that the U.S. will continue delivering humanitarian aid to the country. Turning to the Michael Brown killing, Obama announced the DOJ has opened a separate federal civil rights investigation into Brown’s killing and that Attorney General Eric Holder will go to Ferguson Wednesday to meet with officials. Obama urged protestors to do so peacefully without looting or violence while cautioning police against using excessive force.
NBC News cut in at 4:24pmET with Cynthia McFadden anchoring from New York and White House correspondent Kristen Welker reporting from the White House. CBS News cut in at 4:24pmET with Scott Pelley anchoring from New York and chief White House correspondent Major Garrett reporting from the White House. ABC News presented its coverage at 4:25pmET with George Stephanopoulos anchoring in New York and chief White House correspondent Jonathan Karl reporting from the White House.
The first question went to the Associated Press’ Jim Kuhnhenn; the second to Reuters’ Steve Holland. The last question went to ABC News’ Ann Compton, who Obama praised upon news of her retirement, which drew a round of applause from colleagues. Compton asked if the president has considered going to Ferguson himself. “I have to be very careful about not prejudging these events before investigations are completed,” the president responded. In total, President Obama spoke just short of a half-hour.