Frankfurt Attack Draws White House Reaction

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2011 – President Barack Obama pledged that the United States will work with German authorities to get to the bottom of a shooting outside Frankfurt International Airport in Germany today that claimed the lives of two U.S. airmen and wounded two others.

“I'm saddened and I am outraged by this attack that took the lives of two Americans and wounded two others,” he said. “I think the American people are united in expressing our gratitude for the service of those who were lost.”

The president added that he and First Lady Michelle Obama have the airmen’s families and friends in their thoughts and prayers, and are praying for a speedy recovery for those who were injured.

“I want everybody to understand that we will spare no effort in learning how this outrageous act took place,” the president said, “and in working with German authorities to ensure that all of the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Obama called the incident “a stark reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices that our men and women in uniform are making all around the world to keep us safe, and the dangers that they face all around the globe.”

“So I think it’s fair to say that on behalf of the American people, we want to extend our deepest condolences to these families,” he added.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said the Defense Department will cooperate with German authorities in their investigation.

“The Defense Department is saddened by the deaths of two of our airmen and the wounding of two others today in Frankfurt, Germany,” he said. “We mourn the loss of our brave service members who were so cruelly gunned down. We pray for their families and the speedy recovery of the wounded. And we will do all we can to help investigators bring to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack."