DALLAS — Shots rang out in quick succession as a peaceful protest in Dallas against police killings took a violent turn Thursday night, leaving 12 officers wounded, five fatally. Two civilians also suffered injuries.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
- 12 Dallas officers were shot.
- Five officers have been confirmed dead (four police officers, one transit officer).
- Multiple other officers were wounded. The extent of their injuries are unknown.
- One suspect killed when bomb detonated; suspect told officers he was upset over recent police kilings
- Micah Xavier Johnson, identified as one the slain suspect, according to the Associated Press.
- It's unclear if earlier suspects remain in custody
Suspect acted alone, wanted to 'kill white people, especially white officers'
Dallas Police Chief David O. Brown said Friday morning that the gunman told negotiators that he acted alone as police attempted to get him to surrender Friday morning. After negotiations broke down, officers attached a bomb to a robot typically used to disarm explosives and detonated it, killing the suspect.
"Other options would have exposed our officers to grave danger," Brown said.
The shooter has been identified as Micah Johnson, 25, according to The Associated Press. Authorities continue to investigate to determine whether arrests are appropriate.
Before the suspect was killed, he told police that he was "upset about Black Lives Matter, he was upset about the recent police shootings, he was upset at white people," Brown said. "The suspect stated he wanted to kill white people, especially white officers."
The man did not claim affiliation to any groups, according to the chief.
Authorities are still working to determine why the man attacked.
Earlier Friday, Brown told reporters the man was not cooperating with negotiators.
"(He) has told our negotiators that the end is coming and that there are bombs all over the place, in (the) garage and in downtown, so we are being very careful," Brown said.
Cox Media Group
