ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Many Virginia lawmakers have issued statements regarding Thursday night's shooting in Dallas.
Roanoke Mayor Shermon Lea released this statement:
I am troubled by the violence that has taken place in Dallas within the last 24 hours, and the tragic events in...
Posted by City of Roanoke, Virginia - Government on Friday, July 8, 2016
Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today issued the following statement on the attack on Dallas police officers, which killed five and injured seven police officers:
"Too many people have lost their lives this week due to senseless acts of violence.
"Last night's attack on Dallas police officers, leaving seven injured and five dead, is an attack on all of us. I mourn the loss of these brave officers' lives, pray for the injured, and stand united with the law enforcement community. Every day, these brave men and women protect our neighborhoods from criminals, fight crime, ensure justice, and keep the peace. They patrol neighborhoods late at night and early in the morning while we sleep in the comforts of our homes. They run to danger while we run away from it.
"I also mourn the loss of life in Baton Rouge and St. Paul earlier this week. More can and must be done to strengthen police accountability and the relationship between police officers and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve. But one thing is clear: violent retaliation against the police cannot be the manner in which we as Americans respond to officer-involved shootings.
"The ongoing racial tensions in our nation must be addressed so that we all respect one another as fellow human beings made in the image of God. All life is precious. Our nation needs to come together and address these tensions so that we can overcome unjustified acts of violence. We must live up to our nation's values of liberty and justice for all.
"While many issues contribute to this problem, the House Judiciary Committee is working on a bipartisan basis on a bill to help protect law enforcement officers' lives, increase police accountability, and enhance public safety. We will continue our work on this issue and explore other ways to address this matter of national importance."
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement:
"The shootings in Dallas last night were a brazen and calculated attack on brave police officers doing their jobs to protect their fellow citizens. I join Americans across the country in condemning this horrific act of senseless violence, mourning the loss of five law enforcement heroes and praying for the recovery of those wounded."
U.S. Senator Mark Warner posted the following statement to his Facebook page:
I am horrified that police officers in Dallas were viciously targeted and killed in the line of duty. I join their...
Posted by Senator Mark Warner on Friday, July 8, 2016
Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement on the police shootings in Dallas.
"Our hearts go out to the Dallas law enforcement officers who were injured and brutally murdered in the line of duty last night. The Virginia House of Delegates offers its condolences and prayers to the families of the officers, the Dallas law enforcement community, and the entire city of Dallas.
"This senseless violence is inexcusable. Violence against law enforcement is no way to mourn the tragic loss of life in Louisiana and Minnesota and no way to further the dialogue our nation needs. America is unique because of its ability to resolve differences through political and judicial institutions instead of resorting to violence.
"We are grateful to the brave men and women of the Virginia State Police, the Capitol Police, Sheriff's offices and police departments, and all law enforcement personnel who risk their lives every day to keep our neighborhoods, communities, and Commonwealth safe. The General Assembly remains firmly committed to supporting these individuals in their work.  They are heroes in the truest sense of the words and our appreciation for their efforts is boundless."