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Attorney General Decries 'Senseless' Violence In Baltimore

WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- Baltimore is drawing attention both from the White House and the 2016 presidential campaign.

Pat Warren with what's being said there.

While safety concerns remain high, the conversation is moving in the direction of underlying causes.

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch described what's happening here as a symbol that highlights so many issues that are part of our national debate.

"And like so many cities, Baltimore is struggling to balance great expectations and need with limited resources. It's dealing with balancing the challenges of public safety and community expression. More importantly, Baltimore is a home to more than 600,000 people, and it was their home that the peaceful protestors were trying to make better, and it was also their home that the injured officers were trying to protect," said Lynch.

Presidential primary candidate Hillary Clinton addressed the city's challenges.

"There is something wrong when more than 1 out of every 3 young black men in Baltimore cannot find a job. There's something wrong when trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve breaks down as far as it has in many of our communities," Clinton said.

And in Congress Wednesday, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee expressed concerns for Baltimore to Congressman Elijah Cummings.

"Our hearts and prayers and thoughts are with you and your neighbors and your friends and community, the police officers--we're proud of you," said Rep. Jason Chaffetz.

And giving the city a brighter image.

"Baltimore is a city. It's a great city. It's a beautiful city. It is one of our cities," said Loretta Lynch.

The attorney general says she's in contact with the governor and has offered her office's resources.

In a radio interview that aired Wednesday, President Obama said if all we're doing is focusing on police and not dealing with underlying issues, these problems are going to crop up again.

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