Obama Condemns Killing of British Soldier

U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday condemned the killing of a British soldier in London by two suspected Islamic extremists as "appalling" and "horrific."

"The United States stands resolute with the United Kingdom, our ally and friend, against violent extremism and terror," Obama said in a written statement.

"There can be absolutely no justification for such acts, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim, the police and security services responding to this horrific act and the communities they serve, and the British people," Obama said.

"Our special relationship with the United Kingdom is especially important during times of trial."

The president said that his trip to Northern Ireland for the G8 summit next month would include talks on the threat faced by both the United States and Britain.

British officials named the victim of Wednesday's attack near a military barracks in Woolwich as Lee Rigby, a machine-gunner with 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Rigby was hacked to death in a brazen attack in broad daylight by two men wielding knives and a cleaver who later launched into a tirade against the British government and its military involvement in Muslim countries.