UN chief condemns shooting in Texas

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Monday condemned an attack by two gunmen who opened fire outside a contest for cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed in north Texas on Sunday evening, a UN spokesman said.

"He (the secretary general) reiterates that such criminal acts have nothing to do with religion or belief. Ideas must only be defended through democratic debate and dialogue. There is no justification for violence," said the spokesman in a note.

The two gunmen, wearing body armor and carrying assault rifles, tried to ambush a Garland, Texas, event featuring controversial cartoons of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed and were killed by a traffic officer working after-hours as security for the event. An unarmed security officer working with the patrol officer was shot in the ankle, police said.

"The Secretary-General underlines that freedom of expression and tolerance are essential elements of peaceful societies and must be strongly upheld. He recalls the importance of promoting intercultural dialogue and respect as crucial means to prevent and address extremism," said the spokesman.

The UN chief wished the injured security guard a swift recovery, said the spokesman.