Trump, Biden respond to deadly police shooting and civil unrest in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The candidates for next week's 2020 presidential election responded to reporter questions on Wednesday concerning the fatal police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. and the civil unrest that is unfolding in Philadelphia.
President Donald Trump said the federal government is looking into the shooting which he called a "terrible event" and "if asked to go in to help, we will do that."
Former Vice President Joe Biden promised to study ways to prevent such shootings if elected president and denounced the looting in the city, repeating the calls from Wallace Jr.'s father to stop the violence.
Wallace, 27, a Black man, was fatally shot by police Monday after authorities say he ignored orders to drop a knife. But his family's lawyer said the family had called for an ambulance to get him help with a mental health crisis. The shooting set off two days of protests and looting, and some rioters threw debris at officers, injuring two, according to police.
RELATED: Looters ransack Philadelphia businesses during 2nd night of unrest
Speaking to reporters from Las Vegas on Wednesday, President Trump said he knows the police very well in Philadelphia and "they should be able to handle" the looting that has emerged in the aftermath of Wallace's death.
"It shouldn't be allowed. That's no way to do it. You got to have law and order. You have to have respect for our police," Trump said.
Trump said the state should bring in its National Guard. The Guard is set to arrive in Philadelphia either Friday or Saturday.
He said his administration would help Philadelphia and would be ready to go into the city within one hour if they receive a call.
President Trump's press secretary released the following statement Tuesday:
The riots in Philadelphia are the most recent consequence of the Liberal Democrats' war against the police. Law enforcement is an incredibly dangerous occupation, and thousands of officers have given their lives in the line of duty. All lethal force incidents must be fully investigated. The facts must be followed wherever they lead to ensure fair and just results. In America, we resolve conflicts through the courts and the justice system. We can never allow mob rule. The Trump Administration stands proudly with law enforcement, and stands ready, upon request, to deploy any and all Federal resources to end these riots.
RELATED: 'Don't shoot my son': Wallace's mom said she tried to defuse situation
Speaking to reporters in Wilmington, Delaware after voting on Wednesday, Biden said that "there is no excuse whatsoever for the looting and the violence" that's broken out in Philadelphia in response to the shooting, but he said protesting overall is "totally legitimate."
Biden said he'll be setting up a commission if elected president to study "how you diminish the prospect of lethal shootings in circumstances like the one we saw." Biden's criminal justice plan would increase oversight of police departments and offer funds to support police reforms at the local level.
On Tuesday, Biden tweeted:
Our hearts are broken for the family of Walter Wallace Jr., and for all those suffering the emotional weight of learning about another Black life in America lost. Walter's life mattered.
Biden offered the comments after voting early at a government building in downtown Wilmington. Delaware allows residents to vote early by appointment, and he and wife Jill voted together. President Trump voted on Saturday in Florida.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
