I was deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of Mexican Interior Secretary Francisco Blake Mora and seven others.  Secretary Blake was a valuable colleague and partner to the United States on security and many other issues. He was committed to taking on the drug cartels that menace Mexican communities and to doing everything he could to protect citizens, prevent violence, end police corruption, and bring criminals to justice. 

I join President Obama and all Americans in sending our deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of those who died and to the Mexican people.  The partnership between Mexico and the United States is as strong and comprehensive as any we have in the world. The United States has offered to assist in the investigation in any way possible and we stand with our neighbor, today and always.