Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said Sunday he is “concerned” about race relations in the U.S., following last week’s shooting in Dallas and separate incidents in which two black men were shot and killed by police.
“I am concerned, Chuck,” Johnson told NBC News’ Chuck Todd. “I think at a time like this when tensions are high, in the wake of events in Dallas and Baton Rouge and Minnesota and elsewhere, it’s important to remember that just as the shooter on Thursday night is not reflective of the broader movement to bring about change in police practices that any police officer who engages in excessive force is not representative of the larger law enforcement community.”
Johnson, who was joined by New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton in the interview, added that “it’s important to emphasize at a time like this — and this is why we’re together this morning — that violence is never the answer.”
“An eye for an eye leaves everybody blind and at this point. We need to stand with our law enforcement community, with our peace officers because they are there to serve and protect the community,” he said.
Johnson noted that he and DHS and other government officials “spend a lot of time” working with local law enforcement authorities to address issues like police brutality and to ensure that officers are prepared to handle situations like the deadly shooting that unfolded in Dallas.
“I have, in fact, been surprised at the extent of time that I do exactly that,” he said.
