Obama calls for 'calm reflection' sought by Trayvon's family in wake of Zimmerman verdict

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President Barack Obama on Sunday called for calm after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death Trayvon Martin, saying the teen's death was a "tragedy" and that the nation should seek ways to stem gun violence.

In a statement released by the White House, Obama called Trayvon's death a tragedy, "not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America."

Obama urged all Americans to "respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son," he said, of Trayvon's parents Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton.

"And as we do, we should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and understanding in our own communities," the president said. "We should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis."

A six-member jury on Saturday found Zimmerman was not guilty of committing a crime when he shot and killed the unarmed, black Miami Gardens 17-year-old on Feb. 26, 2012 in Sanford.

“We are a nation of laws and a jury has spoken,” Obama said.

Obama made the statement on the day after the jury came back with its not-guilty verdict, echoing the calls for calm that have been pouring out of Central Florida and beyond.

The president said he was aware the Florida case has elicited strong feelings.

“And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher,” he said.

The verdict was announced at about 10 p.m. Saturday, no violence was reported in Sanford or elsewhere in Florida. But some demonstrations turned destructive in Oakland, Calif., where property was damaged by protesters.

On Sunday, Obama urged Americans to "ask ourselves if we're doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis,” he said. “We should ask ourselves, as individuals and as a society, how we can prevent future tragedies like this.”

“That's the way to honor Trayvon Martin,” he added.