'An Attack On Our Country:' Politicians, Celebrities React To Dallas Police Shootings
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Celebrities and politicians are weighing in on the tragedy in Dallas and the two men killed by officers earlier this week.
Police say a fifth officer has died and six others were injured after snipers opened fire on police at a rally in Dallas. The gunfire broke out Thursday night while hundreds of people were gathered to protest fatal police shootings this week in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and suburban St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Speaking on Friday from a summit in Warsaw, Poland, President Barack Obama said America is "horrified" over the shootings of police officers in Dallas and there's no possible justification for the attacks.
Others posted their thoughts on social media.
Donald Trump took to Twitter Friday morning, offering his condolences:
"Prayers and condolences to all the families who are so thoroughly devastated by the horrors we are all watching take place in this country," he tweeted.
Trump released a statement on his Facebook page calling the incident an "attack on our country."
"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 in the statement.
Trump continued, saying the nation has become "too divided," and that racial tensions have "gotten worse, not better."
"I mourn for the officers shot while doing their sacred duty to protect peaceful protesters, for their families & all who serve them," Clinton tweeted Friday.
Clinton also tweeted Thursday night in response to the controversial police shooting deaths of 32-year-old Philando Castile and 37-year-old Alton Sterling.
"Too many African Americans are mourning. Too many young black men and women have been taken from us," she tweeted.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted early Friday: "Outraged and saddened by the attack on officers in Dallas tonight. Our hearts break for their families."
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton tweeted: "Cops of @DallasPD & @dartmedia, their families & the people of Dallas are in our thoughts. Prayers for the slain & injured & healing for all."
On Long Island, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and Nassau County Police Chief Thomas Krumpter expressed their condolences and ordered the flag to be flown at half staff outside the Nassau County government building in Mineola.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie released a statement Friday calling for the country to unite and "reject the hatred and violence behind these attacks."
"Brave police officers all across this country who protect us on a daily basis deserve to be supported by all Americans," Christie said in a statement. "We must unite as a country and recommit ourselves to law and order, safety for our citizens and respect for each other and reject the hatred and violence behind these attacks."
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also released a statement:
National Rifle Association Exec. Vice President Wayne LaPierre issued a statement on behalf of the NRA, saying the organization expressed "deep anguish" for the officers killed in the attack:
"With heavy hearts, NRA members honor their heroism and offer our deepest condolences to all of their families," LaPierre said.
Many celebrities, including John Legend and Patricia Arquette, Justin Timberlake, Montel Williams, and others also weighed in on Twitter throughout the night:
Singer and activist John Legend tweeted:
"These Dallas shootings are horrific. Killing these officers is morally reprehensible and completely counterproductive to keeping us safe."
Justin Timberlake:
Artist Daniel Gokey:
Actress and activist Patricia Arquette:
TV Personality Montel Williams:
