IACP President Terrence M. Cunningham has released the following statement on the recent Dallas shooting:

"Heartbroken, saddened, sickened, appalled – none of these words are strong enough to express how I feel about the tragic and senseless deaths of the five officers in Dallas and the seven others that were wounded. Last night, we witnessed the deadliest attack on law enforcement in the United States since 9/11.

"As President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our entire membership grieves with the brave men and women of the Texas law enforcement community. We stand ready to assist their agencies in the days and months ahead.

"Law enforcement officers put their lives in harm’s way on a daily basis, to protect our freedom and democracy, confront crime and ensure the safety of our communities. We do this because we took an oath to safeguard our fellow citizens. We believe in that oath, and we feel an allegiance to and pride for the citizens we protect and the communities we serve. The officers in Dallas were acting as guardians and protecting the protestors.

"Law enforcement officers, like the people they serve, are fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, daughters, and sons. Despite the passions aroused by recent events, we must realize that violence is never the solution.

"Rather than letting this tragedy divide us, this is a time for us to come together as a community and share our grief and look for solutions.

"As this situation continues to develop, we will communicate with our membership, and I urge you to work with your communities. Please stay safe."