Sec. Kerry Labels ISIS Atrocities 'Genocide'

Secretary of State John Kerry's long-awaited statement labeling the atrocities committed by the Islamic State against Christians, Yazidis and other minorities "genocide" came Thursday morning at a State Department press conference.

"My purpose here today is to assert in my judgment, (ISIS) is responsible for genocide against groups in areas under its control, including Yazidis, Christians and Shiite Muslims," he said, during a news conference at the State

A day earlier, the State Department said Kerry's announcement would miss a congressional deadline. Some analysts said Monday's resolution by the House of Representatives labeling ISIS acts against minorities genocide influenced the secretary of state's decision to issue the statement.

While the unanimous resolution is non-binding, it may have influenced Kerry's decision.