New York (CNN)President Barack Obama sought to reassure Americans Monday following a series of suspected bombing incidents in New York and New Jersey over the weekend, and reaffirmed the US commitment to fighting the Islamic State.

"At moments like this, I think it's important to remember what terrorists and violent extremists are trying to do: they want to hurt innocent people, but also inspire fear in all of us," Obama said in New York, where he is staying for the United Nations general assembly meetings this week. "Even as we have to be vigilant and aggressive ... we all have a role to play as citizens in make sure we don't succumb to that fear."

Obama praised the response from citizens in New York and New Jersey.

Read the full story ›