Breaking News : Obama reacts to the Dallas shooting [ watch video ]

Here’s the start of Obama’s statement:

I spoke this morning with Mayor Rawlings of Dallas to convey the deepest condolences of the American people. I told him that the federal government will provide whatever assistance Dallas may need as it deals with this tremendous tragedy.

We still don’t know all the facts. What we do know is there has been a vicious, calculated and despicable attack on law enforcement. Police in Dallas were on duty doing their jobs, keeping people safe, during peaceful protests. These law enforcement officers were targeted and nearly a dozen officers were shot. Five were killed. Other officers and at least one civilian were wounded, some are in serious condition and we are praying for their recovery.

We are horrified over these events and we stand united with the people and the police department in Dallas.Obama is giving his reaction to the shootings.

Obama described it as “tremendous tragedy.” He has offered the mayor support and condolences. “We are horrified by these events, we stand by the police department in Dallas,” Obama says.

There is no justification for these attacks, Obama adds. “The police have an extraordinarily difficult job and the vast majority do their job in an outstanding way,” he said.