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Dallas police shooting: officials identify suspect killed in standoff – live Dallas police shooting: officials identify suspect killed in standoff – live
(35 minutes later)
6.14pm BST
18:14
Faith leaders at vigil promise to 'work together and pray together'
Faith leaders are now having a very well attended and emotional vigil in Thanksgiving Square in Dallas, Texas.
“Hate destroys, love builds up,” says a faith leader, as helicopters chop overhead.
6.02pm BST
18:02
Dallas police used a robot to detonate a bomb, and kill a shooter identified as 25-year-old Micah Johnson.
It is believed to be the first use of such a robot in history.
More from The Guardian’s Sam Thielman:
This is not the first time a robot designed with other functions in mind has been used as a weapon, but this kind of repurposing has until now been limited to the military.
Peter Singer, a strategist and senior fellow at the New America Foundation who writes about the technology of warfare, said that in the early 2000s, a solider he interviewed repurposed a surveillance robot called a Marcbot with a bomb. These robots aren’t autonomous, Singer emphasized – the Marcbot “is like a toy truck with a sensor and camera mount they’d use to drive up to a checkpoint”. But this soldier had improvised: “They duct-taped an explosive and you can figure out the rest. You can see the parallels here.”
5.58pm BST
17:58
Turning back to protest organizers’ comments in Dallas, Reverend Dr Jeff Hood, who said he was a primary organizer, told reporters that protests were peaceful and coordinated with the Dallas police.
Forty hours ago, when we decided to go out on a limb and see if we could get a protest together to respond to Baton Rouge and St. Paul, never in our wildest dreams would we imagine – first of all the type of crowd that showed up last night,” Hood said, referring to the deaths of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling.
“Never would we have imagined that five police officers would be dead this morning.”
Hood’s comments did not answer how a shooter may have known the end of the march route, where police said he shot from an “elevated position” at officers.
5.36pm BST5.36pm BST
17:3617:36
US Attorney General calls week's shootings 'heartbreaking loss'US Attorney General calls week's shootings 'heartbreaking loss'
Lynch also referenced two police killings that made news this week, in Louisiana and Minnesota. Here are the attorney general’s comments, beginning with her words about this week’s “heartbreaking loss”:Lynch also referenced two police killings that made news this week, in Louisiana and Minnesota. Here are the attorney general’s comments, beginning with her words about this week’s “heartbreaking loss”:
This has been a week of profound grief and heartbreaking loss. The peaceful protest that was planned in Dallas last night was organized in response to the tragic deaths of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota.This has been a week of profound grief and heartbreaking loss. The peaceful protest that was planned in Dallas last night was organized in response to the tragic deaths of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota.
We have opened a civil rights investigation in Louisiana and we are providing assistance to local authorities in Minnesota who are leading the investigation there. Today, we are feeling the devastating loss of Dallas Area Rapid Transit Officer Brent Thompson and four other fallen officers whose names remain unreleased as we await notification of all the families. After the events of this week, Americans across the county are feeling a sense of helplessness, of uncertainty and of fear. These feelings are understandable and they are justified. But the answer must not be violence. The answer is never violence.We have opened a civil rights investigation in Louisiana and we are providing assistance to local authorities in Minnesota who are leading the investigation there. Today, we are feeling the devastating loss of Dallas Area Rapid Transit Officer Brent Thompson and four other fallen officers whose names remain unreleased as we await notification of all the families. After the events of this week, Americans across the county are feeling a sense of helplessness, of uncertainty and of fear. These feelings are understandable and they are justified. But the answer must not be violence. The answer is never violence.
Rather, the answer must be action: calm, peaceful, collaborative and determined action. We must continue working to build trust between communities and law enforcement. We must continue working to guarantee every person in this country equal justice under the law. We must take a hard look at the ease with which wrongdoers can get their hands on deadly weapons and the frequency with which they use them. We must reflect on the kind of country we want to build and the kind of society we want to pass on to our children. We must reject the easy impulses of bitterness and rancor and embrace the difficult work of finding a path forward together.Rather, the answer must be action: calm, peaceful, collaborative and determined action. We must continue working to build trust between communities and law enforcement. We must continue working to guarantee every person in this country equal justice under the law. We must take a hard look at the ease with which wrongdoers can get their hands on deadly weapons and the frequency with which they use them. We must reflect on the kind of country we want to build and the kind of society we want to pass on to our children. We must reject the easy impulses of bitterness and rancor and embrace the difficult work of finding a path forward together.
Above all, we must remind ourselves that we are all Americans – and that, as Americans, we share not just a common land, but a common life. Those we have lost this week have come from different neighborhoods and backgrounds – but today, they are mourned by officers and residents, by family and friends – by men and women and children who loved them, who needed them and who will miss them always. They are mourned by all of us.Above all, we must remind ourselves that we are all Americans – and that, as Americans, we share not just a common land, but a common life. Those we have lost this week have come from different neighborhoods and backgrounds – but today, they are mourned by officers and residents, by family and friends – by men and women and children who loved them, who needed them and who will miss them always. They are mourned by all of us.
To the families of all who lost their lives in this series of tragedies, we share your pain and your loss. To our brothers and sisters who wear the badge: I want you to know that I am deeply grateful for the difficult and dangerous work you do every day to keep our streets safe and our nations secure. I am heartbroken at this loss. And the Department of Justice will do all we can to support you in the days ahead. To those who seek to improve our country through peaceful protest and protected speech: I want you to know that your voice is important. Do not be discouraged by those who use your lawful actions as cover for their heinous violence. We will continue to safeguard your constitutional rights and to work with you in the difficult mission of building a better nation and a brighter future. And to all Americans: I ask you not to allow the events of this week to precipitate a ‘new normal’ in our country. I ask you to turn to each other, not against each other as we move forward.To the families of all who lost their lives in this series of tragedies, we share your pain and your loss. To our brothers and sisters who wear the badge: I want you to know that I am deeply grateful for the difficult and dangerous work you do every day to keep our streets safe and our nations secure. I am heartbroken at this loss. And the Department of Justice will do all we can to support you in the days ahead. To those who seek to improve our country through peaceful protest and protected speech: I want you to know that your voice is important. Do not be discouraged by those who use your lawful actions as cover for their heinous violence. We will continue to safeguard your constitutional rights and to work with you in the difficult mission of building a better nation and a brighter future. And to all Americans: I ask you not to allow the events of this week to precipitate a ‘new normal’ in our country. I ask you to turn to each other, not against each other as we move forward.
And I urge you to remember, today and every day, that we are one nation. We are one people. And we stand together. May God bless the families and loved ones of all who were taken from us this week. And may God bless the United States of America.And I urge you to remember, today and every day, that we are one nation. We are one people. And we stand together. May God bless the families and loved ones of all who were taken from us this week. And may God bless the United States of America.
5.23pm BST5.23pm BST
17:2317:23
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who heads the Department of Justice now investigating several police departments around the country for civil rights violations, tells Americans: “Do not let this week precipitate a new normal in this country.”US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who heads the Department of Justice now investigating several police departments around the country for civil rights violations, tells Americans: “Do not let this week precipitate a new normal in this country.”
“I ask you to turn to each other and not against each other.”“I ask you to turn to each other and not against each other.”
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch makes remarks on #Dallas shootings. https://t.co/EQH2HDA19YU.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch makes remarks on #Dallas shootings. https://t.co/EQH2HDA19Y
5.13pm BST5.13pm BST
17:1317:13
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch is now speaking – we will return to Reverend Dr Jeff Hood’s comments in Dallas, Texas.US Attorney General Loretta Lynch is now speaking – we will return to Reverend Dr Jeff Hood’s comments in Dallas, Texas.
5.12pm BST5.12pm BST
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We’re now listening to organizers of the march speak about the events last night in Dallas. Reverend Dr Jeff Hood, who identified himself as a primary organizer of the march, speaks about his experience during the shooting:We’re now listening to organizers of the march speak about the events last night in Dallas. Reverend Dr Jeff Hood, who identified himself as a primary organizer of the march, speaks about his experience during the shooting:
“We have got to turn to love.”“We have got to turn to love.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.16pm BSTat 5.16pm BST
5.03pm BST5.03pm BST
17:0317:03
As we wait for the US attorney general to speak about attacks that killed five Dallas police officers Thursday evening, we are learning more about those killed in the attack.As we wait for the US attorney general to speak about attacks that killed five Dallas police officers Thursday evening, we are learning more about those killed in the attack.
Transit officer Brent Thompson, a 43-year-old grandfather, was married last month. Patrick Zamarripa, 32, received tributes on social media: ‘You are a hero’Transit officer Brent Thompson, a 43-year-old grandfather, was married last month. Patrick Zamarripa, 32, received tributes on social media: ‘You are a hero’
Here’s more from The Guardian’s Joanna Walters:Here’s more from The Guardian’s Joanna Walters:
Thompson joined the division in 2009. The Dart chief, James Spiller, said, “He was an outstanding patrol officer as well as a rail officer.”Thompson joined the division in 2009. The Dart chief, James Spiller, said, “He was an outstanding patrol officer as well as a rail officer.”
Thompson married a fellow Dart officer just last month, said Spiller on NBC Today. A statement from Dart said: “Our hearts are broken.” A picture was posted on Twitter of Thompson with his grandson.”Thompson married a fellow Dart officer just last month, said Spiller on NBC Today. A statement from Dart said: “Our hearts are broken.” A picture was posted on Twitter of Thompson with his grandson.”
Zamarripa, meanwhile, had written on social media that he was “addicted” to the excitment being a police officer.Zamarripa, meanwhile, had written on social media that he was “addicted” to the excitment being a police officer.
One post from his stepbrother, Dylan Martinez, read: “No father should have to bury his son. You are a hero, Patrick. Love you man….”One post from his stepbrother, Dylan Martinez, read: “No father should have to bury his son. You are a hero, Patrick. Love you man….”
He was described as a family man and a military veteran.He was described as a family man and a military veteran.
On Zamarripa’s Twitter page, he had written: “Addicted to the thrill of this job. I own the night. I love my Country, Texas, Family, God, Friends, and Sports! Don’t Tread on Me! ’Merica.”On Zamarripa’s Twitter page, he had written: “Addicted to the thrill of this job. I own the night. I love my Country, Texas, Family, God, Friends, and Sports! Don’t Tread on Me! ’Merica.”
On the Fourth of July, Zamarripa posted a patriotic tweet, saying: “Happy Birthday to the greatest country on the face of this planet . My beloved America!”On the Fourth of July, Zamarripa posted a patriotic tweet, saying: “Happy Birthday to the greatest country on the face of this planet . My beloved America!”
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.13pm BSTat 5.13pm BST
4.53pm BST4.53pm BST
16:5316:53
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch’s upcoming press conference will stream here, for those who would like to watch with us.US Attorney General Loretta Lynch’s upcoming press conference will stream here, for those who would like to watch with us.
4.48pm BST4.48pm BST
16:4816:48
Former President George W Bush, a Texas native, said he and wife Laura Bush are “heartbroken by the heinous acts of violence in our city last night.” The Bushes also own an estate in Dallas.Former President George W Bush, a Texas native, said he and wife Laura Bush are “heartbroken by the heinous acts of violence in our city last night.” The Bushes also own an estate in Dallas.
We join our fellow citizens in saluting the fine law enforcement officers in Dallas and across the country who put their own lives in the line to keep all lives safe.”We join our fellow citizens in saluting the fine law enforcement officers in Dallas and across the country who put their own lives in the line to keep all lives safe.”
Former Pres. George W. Bush on #Dallas shooting: "Laura and I are heartbroken by the heinous acts of violence." pic.twitter.com/JqFBhkEFwMFormer Pres. George W. Bush on #Dallas shooting: "Laura and I are heartbroken by the heinous acts of violence." pic.twitter.com/JqFBhkEFwM
4.33pm BST4.33pm BST
16:3316:33
Bernie Sanders has also tweeted about last night’s attack in Dallas, calling it “despicable”.Bernie Sanders has also tweeted about last night’s attack in Dallas, calling it “despicable”.
The attack on police officers in Dallas last night is horrifying and despicable. We must as a nation stand against violence of all kinds.The attack on police officers in Dallas last night is horrifying and despicable. We must as a nation stand against violence of all kinds.
4.31pm BST4.31pm BST
16:3116:31
In the next few minutes, we’re expecting US Attorney General Loretta Lynch to begin a press conference.In the next few minutes, we’re expecting US Attorney General Loretta Lynch to begin a press conference.
Afterward, organizers of the march in Dallas, Next Generation Action Network, will speak about last night’s attack.Afterward, organizers of the march in Dallas, Next Generation Action Network, will speak about last night’s attack.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.35pm BSTat 4.35pm BST
4.26pm BST4.26pm BST
16:2616:26
The Guardian is working to clarify the number of shooters involved in last night’s attack in Dallas, during anti-police violence protests.The Guardian is working to clarify the number of shooters involved in last night’s attack in Dallas, during anti-police violence protests.
Dallas police chief David Brown told reporters Thursday evening that two snipers fired on officers “from elevated positions.”Dallas police chief David Brown told reporters Thursday evening that two snipers fired on officers “from elevated positions.”
However, Brown said Friday morning that a shooter told police he acted “alone” and was not affiliated with any organizations.However, Brown said Friday morning that a shooter told police he acted “alone” and was not affiliated with any organizations.
4.18pm BST4.18pm BST
16:1816:18
AP identifies Micah Johnson as a Dallas shooterAP identifies Micah Johnson as a Dallas shooter
The Associated Press has identified 25-year-old Micah Johnson as a shooter involved in the attack in Dallas Thursday evening.The Associated Press has identified 25-year-old Micah Johnson as a shooter involved in the attack in Dallas Thursday evening.
Five police officers were killed and six wounded during an anti-police violence protest.Five police officers were killed and six wounded during an anti-police violence protest.
Texas official tells AP that a slain suspect in the attack on #Dallas police was 25-year-old Micah Johnson. https://t.co/WFfHp2ARoKTexas official tells AP that a slain suspect in the attack on #Dallas police was 25-year-old Micah Johnson. https://t.co/WFfHp2ARoK
4.06pm BST4.06pm BST
16:0616:06
The National Rifle Association, America’s largest firearms lobby, released a statement on the five police officers shot and killed and seven injured in Dallas, Texas.The National Rifle Association, America’s largest firearms lobby, released a statement on the five police officers shot and killed and seven injured in Dallas, Texas.
The statement does not address recent attempts at, or calls for, gun control legislation in Congress.The statement does not address recent attempts at, or calls for, gun control legislation in Congress.
On behalf of the more than 5m members of the National Rifle Association, and especially on behalf of our members from the law enforcement community, I want to express the deep anguish all of us feel for the heroic Dallas law enforcement officers who were killed and wounded, as well as those who so bravely ran toward danger to defend the city and the people of Dallas.”On behalf of the more than 5m members of the National Rifle Association, and especially on behalf of our members from the law enforcement community, I want to express the deep anguish all of us feel for the heroic Dallas law enforcement officers who were killed and wounded, as well as those who so bravely ran toward danger to defend the city and the people of Dallas.”
Statement from the @NRA on last night's #Dallas shootings: pic.twitter.com/XGXWaGFk12Statement from the @NRA on last night's #Dallas shootings: pic.twitter.com/XGXWaGFk12
3.55pm BST3.55pm BST
15:5515:55
Watch more of Dallas police chief David Brown’s press conference, where he told the media that the shooter wanted to “kill white people” and “especially white officers.”Watch more of Dallas police chief David Brown’s press conference, where he told the media that the shooter wanted to “kill white people” and “especially white officers.”
3.50pm BST3.50pm BST
15:5015:50
Congressional Black Caucus: “This will be a long hot summer.”Congressional Black Caucus: “This will be a long hot summer.”
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have just called strongly for a vote on gun control legislation, referencing the killing of five police officers in Dallas, Texas and shootings of young black men in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and St Anthony, Minnesota.Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have just called strongly for a vote on gun control legislation, referencing the killing of five police officers in Dallas, Texas and shootings of young black men in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and St Anthony, Minnesota.
“Republicans – what on earth? – why are you recalling and not giving us a debate on gun violence?” said Representative GK Butterfield, a North Carolina Democrat and chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. “Why not give us a hearing? Give us an up or down vote on our legislation on gun violence – why?”“Republicans – what on earth? – why are you recalling and not giving us a debate on gun violence?” said Representative GK Butterfield, a North Carolina Democrat and chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. “Why not give us a hearing? Give us an up or down vote on our legislation on gun violence – why?”
Butterfield said he met with Washington DC anti-violence protesters at around 10pm Thursday, walking out of the capitol to meet them and walk to the White House.Butterfield said he met with Washington DC anti-violence protesters at around 10pm Thursday, walking out of the capitol to meet them and walk to the White House.
“We spoke to them, we embraced them and we helped lead their march to the White House,” he said. He said the protesters were willing to, “pull off the bandaid of the stain of irresponsible police killings in America.”“We spoke to them, we embraced them and we helped lead their march to the White House,” he said. He said the protesters were willing to, “pull off the bandaid of the stain of irresponsible police killings in America.”
“If we fail to act, this will be a long hot summer.”“If we fail to act, this will be a long hot summer.”
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus demand action against gun violence. pic.twitter.com/NIgHUGuPV3Members of the Congressional Black Caucus demand action against gun violence. pic.twitter.com/NIgHUGuPV3