US President Barack Obama called for restraint as the verdict on Michael Brown’s shooting was delivered Monday. According to CNN, Mr. Obama said that the anger over the grand jury’s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson is an “understandable reaction” but he urged protesters not to remain peaceful. The president also called on law enforcement in Ferguson to exercise “care and restraint in managing peaceful protests that may occur.”

"We are a nation built on the rule of law, and so we need to accept that this decision was the grand jury's to make," Obama said late Monday night, reported CNN. "There are Americans who agree with it and there are Americans who are deeply disappointed, even angry. It's an understandable reaction. But I join Michael's parents in asking anyone who protests this decision to do so peacefully."

Tensions flared in Ferguson after a grand jury, with nine white members and three black members, decided not to indict the the police officer who shot Michael Brown.

The President’s measured tone stood at the backdrop of violence on the streets of the Missouri city where protesters were throwing bottles and smashing car windows. Police presence in the area responded by firing tear gas.

Michael Brown’s family also released a statement regarding the veridct, noting their disappointment while also asking to “channel your frustration in ways that will make positive change.”

“We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions,” the statement read as tweeted by the family’s lawyer.

“While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change. We need to work together to fix the system that allowed this to happen.”

“Join with us in our campaign to ensure that every police officer working the streets in this country wears a body camera.”

“We respectfully ask that you please keep your protests peaceful. Answering violence with violence is not the appropriate reaction.”

“Let's not just make noise, let's make a difference."

CNN reported early Tuesday that the violence that erupted after the decision has so far led to 29 arrests.