Dallas Shootings: Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Cancel Campaign Events

Presidential campaigning is on hold as both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton canceled political events Friday after five police officers were killed in Dallas during a demonstration over fatal police shootings of black men in other states.

Clinton canceled a planned campaign appearance Friday with Vice President Joe Biden in Scranton, Pennsylvania, while Trump put off a scheduled speech on "Succeeding Together" in Miami before a Latino business audience. Clinton is still expected to appear in Philadelphia for the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church's national convention, where she will likely address the recent shootings.

"Due to the tragic events in Dallas, the July 8 Hillary for America campaign event with Vice President Biden will be postponed," Clinton’s campaign said in a Friday morning statement.

Trump tweeted, "Due to the horrific events taking place in our country, I have decided to postpone my speech on economic opportunity- today in Miami."

Five police officers were killed and seven were wounded Thursday night in an "ambush-style" attack in Dallas, during a protest against the use of deadly force by police against African-Americans.

Both candidates released statements condemning the Dallas shooting and offering support for the families of the officers.

"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," Trump said in his statement. "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."

"I mourn for the officers shot while doing their sacred duty to protect peaceful protesters, for their families, and all who serve with them," wrote Clinton.

Friday's cancellation is the second time Clinton has had a major event postponed after a deadly shooting. She had originally planned to campaign with President Obama in Wisconsin in June, but that was canceled following the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida.

[Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr Commons]