DALLAS (Reuters) – Four Dallas police officers were killed by snipers on Thursday as protests were being held in the downtown area over the fatal police shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana this week, the police chief said.
Dallas Police Chief David Brown said in a statement two snipers shot 10 officers, three of whom were killed. Two officers were in surgery, one in critical condition. No suspects in custody.
“An intensive search for suspects is currently underway,” Brown said.
Officials also said four Dallas transit officers were shot but their condition was unknown.
(Reporting by Lisa Maria Garza in Dallas; Writing by Eric M. Johnson; Editing by Paul Tait)
UPDATE: Via the Huffington Post:
At least 10 police officers have been shot and three killed by snipers during a Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas, according to Dallas police.
Dallas Police Chief David Brown said Thursday night that two snipers shot “from elevated positions” and an “intensive search” is underway for the suspects.
Brown said three officers were dead, three were in critical condition and another two were in surgery.
The Dallas Police Department shared a photo of one of the suspects and asked for help finding him.
The demonstrators are now marching eastbound on Commerce.
— Dallas Police Depart (@DallasPD) July 8, 2016
Dramatic video from earlier in the evening shows dozens of officers converging on several buildings in downtown Dallas, including a parking garage. In another, several shots can be heard ringing out as sirens blare in the background.
All signs pointed to the demonstration having been peaceful throughout the evening. The DPD Twitter account included posts about “men, women, boys and girls” gathered in solidarity, while other photos show officers posing with marchers, including a state senator.