The presumptive presidential nominees for both major political parties have postponed campaign events Friday, following the deadliest single day for U.S. law enforcement since September 11, 2001.
Donald Trump canceled campaign stops in Miami and Hillary Clinton postponed her scheduled rally with Vice President Joe Biden in Scranton Pennsylvania, as well as a fundraising event. Clinton is still expected to speak this afternoon in Philadelphia where she is expected to address this week’s shootings in Dallas, Baton Rouge and Minnesota.
Clinton’s speech was scheduled before the deadly sniper shootings that killed five police officers in Dallas on Thursday.
Politicians from Texas and around the country offered condolences and reactions to the fatalities, with Trump decrying “the horrors we are all watching take place in our country.”
Trump reacted to the news early Friday morning, writing on Twitter: “Prayers and condolences to all of the families who are so thoroughly devastated by the horrors we are all watching take place in our country.”
“I mourn for the officers shot while doing their sacred duty to protect peaceful protesters, for their families & all who serve with them. -H” Clinton tweeted Friday.
Texas politicians pray for law enforcement
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz sent a series of tweets on Thursday night, writing that “my prayers are with those harmed in Dallas and with the first responders; we will be in touch w/ local authorities to assist however we can.”
Cruz also praised police officers’ courageous response to the attacks.
“Men & women of law enforcement selflessly run into harm’s way to save the lives of others. May God protect them and bring peace upon Dallas,” the former Republican presidential hopeful wrote. “May god protect our fallen heroes and bring peace upon the city of Dallas.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott put out a statement just after midnight Thursday, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers ware with the Dallas law enforcement community and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) officers killed and injured this evening. I’ve spoken to Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw and have directed him to offer whatever assistance the City of Dallas needs at this time. In times like this we must remember — and emphasize — the importance of uniting as Americans.”
Some members of Texas’s congressional delegation also used social media to offer their support.
GOP Rep. Pete Sessions wrote on Twitter late Thursday that “as this situation continues to unfold, I’m praying for the brave men and women of the @DallasPD and those in downtown Dallas.”
Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro wrote that “my thoughts and prayers are with the law enforcement officers in Dallas who have been shot and injured tonight.”