As tensions continue to remain high in the wake of the unjustified police killings of two Black men within a 48-hour time span, chaos has erupted in Dallas, Texas.
Hundreds gathered in downtown Dallas on Thursday evening for a peaceful protest in response to the killings, but the scene turned chaotic when shooters opened fire on local law enforcement who were on hand to oversee the protest. Multiple video clips posted to social media late Thuraday evening just after 10pm EST saw protestors screaming and scattering in horror as shots rang out from unidentified areas.
As of Friday morning, NBC News has reported 12 police officers in total were shot, with five confirmed dead. A total of four suspects were apprehended in connection with the attack, one of whom opened fire on police and was killed shortly after.
More Black Men Killed by Police; When Will It End?
Dallas Police Chief David Brown claims the now-deceased suspect told officers said he aimed to “kill white people, especially white police officers.”
One African-American man who was not involved with the shooting in any way was wrongfully identified as a potential suspect early on and even had his photo released to the media, but was later found to have been incorrectly targeted as a suspect.
Investigations into the deadly incident are currently ongoing, with much of the downtown Dallas area currently in lockdown. Police in other major U.S. cities are also said to be on high alert in light of the attack. Both President Obama and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings have spoken out to condemn the shootings, with the POTUS calling it a “vicious, callous and despicable attack.
The shootings mark the deadliest day for law enforcement in the United States since September 11, 2001.
WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.