McConnell: Dallas shooting ‘unconscionable’

 

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Friday condemned a shooting in Dallas, which killed five police officers the day before.

 

“What we saw last night in Dallas was unconscionable. We as a country mourn for the five police officers senselessly murdered during a peaceful protest,” the Senate GOP leader said in a statement. 

 

{mosads}In addition to the five police officers killed, seven others were injured by sniper fire Thursday night during a protest prompted by the deaths of two black men, Philando Castile in Minnesota and Alton Sterling in Louisiana, who were fatally shot by police officers. 

 

McConnell added that Thursday’s shooting follows “suffering and heartbreak over the course of a difficult week.”  

“This is a cruel reminder that law enforcement officials selflessly put themselves in harm’s way day in and day out to keep our communities safe,” he said. “Now is the time to come together as nation, not pull further apart, and let justice and healing be our guide.”

The shooting has sparked an outpouring of condolences from lawmakers, even as senators are scattered across the country for the weekend. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) condemned the shooting earlier Friday, and the House held a moment of silence. 

Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) separately called the shooting a “vile act of hate against law enforcement” and a “coordinated attack.” 

“These shootings are an atrocity and an affront to justice,” he said in a statement. “There is no possible justification for such a senseless, evil act. These perpetrators must be brought to justice and held accountable for these horrific crimes.”