Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paused for more than 20 seconds on Tuesday when asked to comment on US President Donald Trump's handling of protesters in the United States.

Trudeau was asked at a press conference for his thoughts on Trump's call for military action against protesters across the US. As Trump made the announcement on Monday, tear gas canisters could be heard exploding in the streets near the White House.

The Canadian leader, however, did not offer an immediate answer and chose to be silent for more than 20 seconds.

Finally, he said, "We all watch in horror and consternation what’s going on in the United States. It is a time to pull people together, but it is a time to listen, it is a time to learn what injustices continue despite progress over years and decades. But it is a time for us as Canadians to recognize that we too have our challenges, that black Canadians and racialized Canadians face discrimination as a lived reality every single day."

Trudeau continued by speaking about the systemic discrimination racialized Canadians face within Canada, but did not directly speak about Trump’s position on the issue of the violent protests or even mention him by name.

At least 11 people were killed on Monday and thousands more injured as riots continued following the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd as he was being detained by local police.