Leading politicians have been sounding off, mostly with sadness, in reaction to the events in Dallas.
President Obama, who was in Warsaw, Poland, at the time of the shooting for a NATO conference, said Friday morning he had already spoken with Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings "to convey the deepest condolences of the American people" and to offer federal government support to Dallas.
"As I told Mayor Rawlings, I believe that I speak for every single American when I say that we are horrified over these events, and that we stand united with the people and the police department in Dallas," he said. "According to police, there are multiple suspects. We will learn more, undoubtedly, about their twisted motivations. But let's be clear: There is no possible justification for these kinds of attacks or any violence against law enforcement. The FBI is already in touch with the Dallas police, and anyone involved in these senseless murders will be held fully accountable. Justice will be done."
Click here to read his entire statement.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was among the first to respond to the attacks in his home state. At the time of his comments, only four police fatalities had been reported.
"The men and women of the Dallas Police Department and the officers of Dallas Area Rapid Transit selflessly run into harm's way to protect the lives of others," he said. "Tonight, we mourn the loss of four of their brothers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to these officers and their families, and to those who have been injured. My office is in close contact with the local authorities on the ground and we will be offering to provide whatever support we can to help in assisting the victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice. I encourage anyone with information about the suspects to contact the Dallas Police Department ... May God protect our fallen heroes and bring peace upon the City of Dallas."
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who was out-of-state at the time of the shootings, cut his trip short and returned home. He also spoke with Rawlings to offer his support and condolences. He also issued an official statement as events were still unfolding.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dallas law enforcement community and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit officers killed and injured this evening," he said. "I've spoken to Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw and have directed him to offer whatever assistance the City of Dallas needs at this time. In times like this we must remember—and emphasize—the importance of uniting as Americans."
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick added: "Please pray for the families of the officers killed and wounded in the line of duty in this horrific attack. Pray for the men and women in law enforcement across Texas and across our nation. They put their lives on the line every day for us. This is not just a Dallas tragedy, but also a Texas and an America tragedy."
Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting Donald Trump issued a statement Friday morning. He also cancelled a planned campaign event in Miami, Florida.
"Last night's horrific execution-style shootings of 12 Dallas law enforcement officers—five of whom were killed and seven wounded—is an attack on our country," he said. "It is a coordinated, premeditated assault on the men and women who keep us safe.
"We must restore law and order. We must restore the confidence of our people to be safe and secure in their homes and on the street. The senseless, tragic deaths of two motorists in Louisiana and Minnesota reminds us how much more needs to be done.
"This morning I offer my thoughts and prayers for all of the victims' families, and we pray for our brave police officers and first responders who risk their lives to protect us every single day.
"Our nation has become too divided. Too many Americans feel like they've lost hope. Crime is harming too many citizens. Racial tensions have gotten worse, not better. This isn't the American Dream we all want for our children.
"This is a time, perhaps more than ever, for strong leadership, love and compassion. We will pull through these tragedies."
A few minutes later, Hillary Clinton's Twitter account offered the following message, which bore the Democratic presidential nominee-in-waiting's personal "H" signature:
"I mourn for the officers shot while doing their sacred duty to protect peaceful protesters, for their families & all who serve with them.
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