The Senate on Thursday evening formally condemned last week’s shooting in Dallas that killed five police officers.
The resolution — which passed by unanimous consent — disavows the shooting “in the strongest possible terms,” calling the attack that killed Dallas Area Rapid Transit officer Brent Thompson and police officers Patrick Zamarripa, Michael Krol, Lorne Ahrens and Michael Smith a “heinous attack.”
{mosads}The sniper shooting, which occurred during a protest against the deaths of two black men by police officers, has sparked calls by top lawmakers that new legislation is needed to train and support law enforcement.
In addition to offering condolences for those impacted by shooting, the resolution calls attacking a police officer “an affront to the rule of law and the promise of justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, and general welfare and the blessings of liberty secured by the Constitution of the United States.”
The deaths of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, which follow a string of similar incidents in cities including Baltimore and New York City, sparked a new wave of national frustration about the relationship between African-American communities and law enforcement.
Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said earlier Thursday that he had wanted to recognize “peaceful protestors” as part of the Senate’s resolution.
“Our friends in the African-American community demand recognition that their lives are valued, respected as everyone’s life should be,” he said. “It was my suggestion that we add just a word or two to this resolution, to at least recognize the purpose of the peaceful demonstrations.”
But Reid — noting that he still supported the Senate measure— said “there was a decision made that that not be part of the resolution. I accept that.”
The resolution does note that the shooting occurred during a “lawful, peaceful, nonviolent political demonstration.”
The shootings have sparked renewed dialogue from lawmakers on how to temper racial tensions, including Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), who talked in a floor speech earlier this week about how he has been targeted by the police.
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