Law Enforcement Confirms: 11 Officers Shot, 5 Dead by 2 Coordinated Snipers in Dallas (UPDATED)
Fox News’ Shep Smith has reported that the death total of law enforcement is at least three in the gunfire that erupted in Dallas earlier tonight. In addition to reporters of one DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) officer, Dallas PD Chief David Brown confirmed multiple deaths from Dallas PD proper from the gunfire of two snipers:
BREAKING: DPD Chief David Brown says 10 officers were shot by 2 snipers in downtown Dallas. 3 are dead, 3 are critical, and 2 are in surgery
— WFAA-TV (@wfaachannel8) July 8, 2016
Three DART officers were also brought to a nearby medical center with non-life threatening injuries.
During a peaceful protest in the name of the recent deaths of two African American men at the hands of law enforcement, rifle gunfire erupted around 9 p.m. local time. Fox News’ Dallas-based correspondent Casey Stegall has reported that the two snipers may have been on or near the top of a parking garage when they fired on Dallas law enforcement.
Although Smith had previously reported on four total deaths, the Dallas Police Chief held a press conference moments ago alongside the Mayor of the city to confirm that the number of deceased is three. Chief Brown confirmed that the total of number officers shot is up to 11, and they are now pursuing the possibility that a bomb threat is linked to the snipers as well. Mayor Mike Rawlings urged all to “come together,” tonight in support of the fallen members of Dallas’ finest and their families first and foremost.
The Dallas Police Department took to Facebook urging people to contact them with any additional information about the suspects:
This story is rapidly developing and we will update this as information becomes available.
UPDATE 12:15 a.m. ET: The Dallas PD has now confirmed that a fourth police officer has died:
With heavy hearts, we are devastated to report a fourth officer has been killed.
— Dallas Police Depart (@DallasPD) July 8, 2016
UPDATE — 12:32 a.m. ET: Dallas PD now indicating that one suspect is in custody, and that the suspicious package is being investigated by the department’s bomb squad:
Update: pic.twitter.com/qBJe3q0EtN
— Dallas Police Depart (@DallasPD) July 8, 2016
UPDATE: 12:58 a.m. ET: Shep Smith has reported that both suspects are now in custody.
UPDATE: 3:13 a.m. ET: The Dallas PD has confirmed that another one of the cops has died, bringing the death toll to 5.
And DART has revealed the name of their officer that was killed:
DART grieving the loss of Ofc Brent Thompson, 43, killed during Thurs protest. First DART officer killed in line of duty. Joined DART 2009.
— dartmedia (@dartmedia) July 8, 2016
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