The White House said Wednesday that the killing of a gorilla at the Cincinnati zoo after a 4-year-old boy fell into the animal’s enclosure could “legitimately be viewed as a tragedy.”
White House press secretary Josh Earnest termed the incident “sad,” but said he hasn’t heard President Obama express his views about it.
Zoo officials shot the gorilla Saturday after the boy climbed over barriers and fell into a moat in the exhibit. The gorilla grabbed the child and dragged him through the water as horrified onlookers screamed.
Many people on social media have criticized the boy’s mother for allowing him to get away from her.
Mr. Earnest said the White House does not have an official view on the incident.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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