Barack Obama reacts with horror to Dallas cop shootings and says ‘we’re grieving with the victims’
Barack Obama urged the nation to 'do better' than fall victim to anger and frustration caused by shootings
US PRESIDENT Barack Obama has labelled the fatal shooting of Dallas police as a "vicious, calculated and vicious" attack.
Obama, who has been continuously notified of the devastating fatal shootings in Dallas while in Poland, said there could be not possible explanation for the attack.
The President is currently in Poland for a summit of the NATO defence alliance but is constantly being updated on the sniper shooting in Dallas, Texas.
Speaking out in the aftermath of the Dallas shooting, Obama said he passed on his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
He said: "There has been a vicious, calculated and despicable attack on law enforcement.
"Police in Dallas were on duty doing their jobs, keeping people safe during peaceful protests."
He confirmed that five police officers had been killed in the attack with one civilian also injured.
Obama said: "We will learn more, undoubtedly, about their twisted motivations, but let us be clear: there is no possible justification for these types of attacks.
"Anyone involved in the senseless murders will be held fully accountable. Justice will be done."
He said the FBI had already been called in with Obama telling reporters in Poland that he would have more to say as investigations continued.
He has already been in touch with Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.
He also addressed the issue of gun control in America, saying the ability for people to arm themselves with "powerful weapons" making the attack more tragic and deadly.
He said: "In the days ahead we are going to have to consider those realities as well.
"Today, our focus is on the victims and their families. They are heart-broken."
Earlier today, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said: "The president has been updated on the shooting of police officers in Dallas.
"He asked his team to keep him updated on the situation as they get additional information";, he added.
Obama told reporters in Poland before the Dallas police shootings that "to be concerned about these issues is not to be against law enforcement."
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton offered her condolences to the people of Dallas, taking to Twitter to write: "I mourn for the officers shot while doing their sacred duty to protect peaceful protesters, for their families & all who serve with them."
Opposing Presidential candidate Donald Trump also took to Twitter to address the horror in Dallas, writing: "Prayers and condolences to all of the families who are so thoroughly devastated by the horrors we are all watching take place in our country."
The outspoken billionaire released a further statement on Facebook, saying Americans needed to pull together.
The statement said: "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. 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."
Trump said America had become "too divided", writing: "This is a time, perhaps more than ever, for strong leadership, love and compassion."
Obama yesterday released a statement on social media in the wake of the police shootings that killed two separate black men that occurred in the US this week, saying “all Americans should be deeply troubled” by the incidences.
He said: “In the meantime, all Americans should recognize the anger, frustration, and grief that so many Americans are feeling -- feelings that are being expressed in peaceful protests and vigils. Michelle and I share those feelings.
“Rather than fall into a predictable pattern of division and political posturing, let's reflect on what we can do better. Let's come together as a nation, and keep faith with one another, in order to ensure a future where all of our children know that their lives matter.”
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Obama said he had confidence in the investigations being conducted into the police shootings.
He said: “Regardless of the outcome of such investigations, what's clear is that these fatal shootings are not isolated incidents.
“They are symptomatic of the broader challenges within our criminal justice system, the racial disparities that appear across the system year after year, and the resulting lack of trust that exists between law enforcement and too many of the communities they serve.”
He said he had set up a Task Force to help improve community policing to address the “underlying fissures” that led to the incidents.
He said: “To admit we've got a serious problem in no way contradicts our respect and appreciation for the vast majority of police officers who put their lives on the line to protect us every single day.
“It is to say that, as a nation, we can and must do better to institute the best practices that reduce the appearance or reality of racial bias in law enforcement.”
Speaking out in Poland after arriving for the summit yesterday, Obama said emotions were raw around the issue, quoting a range of studies that had found African Americans were 30 per cent more likely to be pulled over than white.
He said African Americans were shot by police at double the rate of whites.
