Dallas Police Shootings: Outpouring of Support After Deadly Sniper Attack

Dallas, TX — In the wake of the deadly sniper attack in Dallas that left five law enforcement officials dead, there has been an outpouring of support for the four Dallas police officers and one Dallas Area Rapid Transit officer who lost their lives.

At least seven other officers and two civilians were wounded in the attack. A lone gunman who said he was upset by the police killings and wanted to kill white people — especially white police officers — was killed after an hours-long standoff with police.

"We don't feel much support most days," Dallas Police Chief David Brown said during a news conference Friday. "Let's not make today most days. W e need your support to be able to protect you from men like these."

Since the attack, law enforcement officials in Dallas have received words of support from various local groups and organizations, politicians and fellow law enforcement officers across the country.

"Our thoughts, prayers, and support go out to all those affected by the tragic events last night in Dallas," the Dallas Cowboys wrote on Instagram.

Jordan Spieth, a Dallas native, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, expressed their support for the city.

The corporate offices of Luxury Department store Neiman Marcus in Downtown Dallas were closed Friday. Karen Katz, president and CEO, issued the following statement:

The tragic news the city of Dallas has woken up to has affected us deeply. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the five officers killed in the line of duty and the many more injured. Out of respect for the lives lost and to insure the safety of our associates and customers, the Neiman Marcus corporate offices and the Downtown store will be closed today.
This tragedy extends well beyond our city into all of the communities where senseless killings have taken place.
Today our thoughts are for our city, the place Neiman Marcus has proudly called home for over a century, the victims and their families.

The Omni Building in Downtown Dallas was lit blue Friday night to honor the fallen officers.

The Reunion Tower in Dallas was dim.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott cut short an out-of-state trip and was headed to Dallas.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dallas law enforcement community and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) officers killed and injured this evening," Abbott said in a prepared statement Thursday. "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."

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following statement.

“My heart goes out to the victims’ families and their loved ones. I have directed my office to provide all necessary resources to support the efforts of law enforcement to investigate, prosecute and hold accountable those responsible for last night’s horrific attack. The loss of the five officers in Dallas in the line of duty is a somber reminder of the heroic sacrifices these brave men and women perform each day to keep us safe. Today, we must all come together to honor their selfless service and sacrifice.”

Former President George W. Bush issued the following statement.

Presumptive Democratic and Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton cancelled campaign events in the wake of the shootings and released statements.

Speaking from Poland, President Barack Obama called the shooting, "a vicious, calculated and despicable attack on law enforcement."

People placed flowers outside the Dallas Police headquarters to pay their respects.

A prayer service will take place at noon for the victims and families.

Around the country, members of the law enforcement community joined in solidarity for the fallen officers.

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Image via Dallas Police: Flowers placed outside police headquarters