Obama: Ferguson protests are not 'excuse for violence'

WASHINGTON -- President Obama said in a television interview Friday that those upset with the Ferguson grand jury decision should not use it as "an excuse for violence."

Obama gave an interview to ABC News host George Stephanopoulos for the Sunday program This Week. The network released a short clip of the interview online.

The city of Ferguson, Mo. is preparing for possible unrest once a grand jury announces its decision in the Aug. 9 shooting death of Michael Brown by Police Officer Darren Wilson. That shooting triggered weeks of protests in and around the St. Louis suburb.

Stephanopoulos asked Obama, "What is your message to the Ferguson and others who are looking to protest?"

"Well, I think first and foremost, keep protests peaceful," Obama said. "You know, this is a country that allows everybody to express their views, allows them to peacefully assemble, to protest actions that they think are unjust."

"But using any of that as an excuse for violence is contrary to rule of law and contrary to who we are," he said.

Earlier on Friday, Attorney General Eric Holder urged restraint by both police and protesters, calling on law enforcement "to protect civil rights and ensure public safety," and for those who might be upset with the grand jury decision to "adhere to non-aggression and non-violence."