Following two days led by gun violence, resulting in the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, protesters organized a peaceful protest in downtown Dallas, Texas on Thursday, July 7.
This protest was like many others taking place around the country in response to police brutality. The difference was, in downtown Dallas, a lone gunman seeking vengeance joined the protest and ended the night fatally shooting five police officers and wounding 12.
That day has been marked as the deadliest day for United States police since 9/11.
Shortly after Micah Xavier Johnson gunned down the five officers, he mocked the Dallas police with songs and laughter and threatened bomb explosions. After the standoff that lasted about two hours and before being killed by a police bomb, Johnson wrote “RB” twice on a wall using his own blood. Law enforcement officers are still intrigued by the letters’ meaning.
According to his father, James Johnson, the shooter was a U.S. Army veteran and started delving into black history after he was honorably discharged almost two years ago. The cause for Johnson’s honorable discharge is still unknown as the Army investigates his files.
President Obama called the event a “vicious, calculated, despicable attack” at a press conference the following day.
On July 12, the city of Dallas held a tribute to the five fallen officers, which President Obama and former President Bush attended. Obama stood beside five empty chairs and behind him officers, a church choir, and local officials emphasized his message of unity.
“Their courage is our protection and shield,” said President Bush.
“The soul of our city was pierced,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.
Officers killed: Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael Smith, Brent Thompson, Patrick Zamarripa.
