WASHINGTON (1010 WINS/AP) — In his first public statement since mass shootings in Texas and Ohio, former President Barack Obama says Americans must "soundly reject language coming out of the mouths of any of our leaders that feeds a climate of fear and hatred or normalizes racist sentiments; leaders who demonize those who don't look like us, or suggest that other people, including immigrants, threaten our way of life, or refer to other people as sub-human, or imply that America belongs to just one certain type of people."
Obama released a statement Monday on Twitter that did not mention President Donald Trump directly but reminded Americans that "it has no place in our politics and our public life," he said. "And it's time for the overwhelming majority of Americans of goodwill, of every race and faith and political party, to say as much — clearly and unequivocally."
He added,"we are not helpless" in the face of the nation's high frequency of mass shootings compared to other nations.
A shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday killed 22 people, and a second shooting outside a crowded bar in Dayton, Ohio, early Sunday killed nine people. Investigators say the El Paso suspect posted an anti-immigrant screed shortly before the attack.
Obama's remarks Monday represent the most forceful political statement he has made since leaving office in 2017.
