Obama vows US not returning to race hate times

PRESIDENT Barack Obama last night insisted the US is not as “divided as some have suggested” in the wake of the fatal race- hate shootings that have shocked the country.

There were protests in cities across America following the police shootings of black men in Louisiana and Minnesota and the deadly revenge sniper attack on five officers in Dallas.

Mr Obama said “it was just not true” the US was returning “to the situation in the ’60s”.

He said: “As tough, as hard, as depressing as this week has been, we have a foundation to build on.”

His comments at a NATO summit in Warsaw echoed those earlier in the day of VicePresident Joe Biden who urged Americans to stay united and said the shootings had “touched the soul” of the nation.

Mr Obama is due to cut short his trip to Europe to deal with the growing crisis caused by the incidents.

“The President has accepted an invitation from Mayor Mike Rawlings to travel to Dallas,” read a statement from the White House.

“Later in the week, he will continue to work to bring people together to support our police officers and communities, and find common ground by discussing policy ideas for addressing the persistent racial disparities in our criminal justice system.”

Yesterday, new Wimbledon champion Serena Williams said the recent violence directed at black people in America made her fear for the safety of young family members.

Speaking after winning a record- equalling 22nd Grand Slam, the 34- year- old said the shootings in Dallas had done nothing to ease racial tensions.

She said: “I feel anyone, of my colour in particular, is of concern. I have nephews that I’m thinking, ‘Do I have to call them and tell them, don’t go outside’?

“‘If you get in your car, it might be the last time I see you’.

“That is something I think is of great concern because it will be devastating. They’re very good kids.

“I don’t think that the answer is to continue to shoot our young black men in the United States. It’s just unfortunate. Or just black people in general.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators have protested in London against the killing of the two black men.

Brixton was brought to a standstill as a crowd chanting “Black lives matter” and “Hands up, don’t shoot” took to the streets yesterday.

The crowd of approximately 300 people gathered in Windrush Square before marching to a nearby police station, and then through neighbouring streets.