Photo by porchlife

The death of Michael Brown—an unarmed 18-year-old black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri who was shot by a police officer after he allegedly assaulted the officer—over the weekend lead to a string of protests, which ended with a “rash of violence” on Sunday.

According to our sister site, Chicagoist, the day after Brown’s death, “the community decided to reassemble the next morning for a press conference to find out more information. But what protesters encountered upon arrival set a combative tone from local law enforcement.”

In a statement, President Barack Obama called Brown’s death “heartbreaking,” and said that he and Michelle “send [their deepest condolences to his family and his community at this very difficult time.” Obama also urged the community of Ferguson and people across the country to “comfort each other and talk with one another in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.”‘

You can read Obama’s full statement below:

The death of Michael Brown is heartbreaking, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and his community at this very difficult time. As Attorney General Holder has indicated, the Department of Justice is investigating the situation along with local officials, and they will continue to direct resources to the case as needed. I know the events of the past few days have prompted strong passions, but as details unfold, I urge everyone in Ferguson, Missouri, and across the country, to remember this young man through reflection and understanding. We should comfort each other and talk with one another in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds. Along with our prayers, that’s what Michael and his family, and our broader American community, deserve.