The U.S. Embassy in Oslo shares the anger and grief felt by so many in our nation and around the world over the death of Mr. George Floyd. His death is a tragic reminder of our nation’s long journey to become a more just and equal society. We offer our deepest condolences to the Floyd family. The U.S. Department of Justice has made the investigation into Mr. Floyd’s death a top priority, and accountability will be addressed through our criminal justice system. The United States is a country governed by the rule of law, and violence is never the solution. We seek to advance and promote the values of fairness and equal treatment, both in the United States and in other nations.
Freedom of speech and assembly are cornerstones of a healthy democracy, and these values are enshrined in our Constitution. We fully support the rights of those who have peacefully expressed their views outside the U.S. Embassy and those who plan to do so later this week. We believe that peaceful public debate and open dialogue will help us achieve true peace in American society, as well as security, equal opportunities and dignity for all. When we fall short, we must learn from our mistakes and strive to do better in the future to become a stronger, more just society.