*Administration of Barack Obama, 2014 *

**Statement on the Deaths of Wenjian Liu and Rafael L. Ramos **

*December 20, 2014 *

I unconditionally condemn today's murder of two police officers in New York City. Two brave men won't be going home to their loved ones tonight, and for that, there is no justification. The officers who serve and protect our communities risk their own safety for ours every single day, and they deserve our respect and gratitude every single day. Tonight I ask people to reject violence and words that harm and turn to words that heal: prayer, patient dialogue, and sympathy for the friends and family of the fallen.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Deaths :: Liu, Wenjian; Statements by the President : Deaths :: Ramos, Rafael L.

*Names:* Liu, Wenjian; Ramos, Rafael L.

*Subjects:* Deaths : Liu, Wenjian; Deaths : Ramos, Rafael L.; Law enforcement and crime : Law enforcement officers, service and dedication.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201400952.