Five officers in Dallas, Texas, have been killed in an apparent at a Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas on Thursday evening US time. One police officer and three transit officers have been killed by suspected snipers, with at least six others wounded.
Two fatal police shootings of black men earlier this week sparked outrage and protests across the country.
All three shootings were catapulted into the media spotlight through social media.
Footage of the Dallas shooting captures the panicked horror of protesters after the first shots rang out, but it was videos from earlier in the week prompted the protests.
Two white police officers were filmed shooting 37-year-old Alton Sterling five times in the chest while he was pinned to the ground in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There are a reports Mr Sterling had a gun in his pocket.
In Falcon Heights, Minnesota, a police officer shot Philando Castile at point-blank range during a routine traffic stop for a broken tail light. His girlfriend in the car switched on a live video stream on her phone immediately, explaining to the camera that her boyfriend was shot while reaching for his licence and registration.
Her four-year-old daughter was also in the car.
The shootings have re-opened a passionate and deep fissure in the country, between those who decry systemic racism and excessive force by law enforcement and those who defend police as having to make tough, snap decisions while risking their lives daily.
Passions were running white-hot on both sides of the debate across the country, and the Dallas attacks appear to have only escalated tensions further.
Protesters scatter in panic after shots are fired at a Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas
The latest shooting has left many dismayed...
...and others angry
My prayers go out to the officers shot by the terrorist organization, black lives matter and the responding officers as well.❤️
— Hunter Avallone (@AvalloneHunter)
The earlier shootings also provoked outrage, including a passionate speech by a black, female police officer, which has now been seen millions of times
President Obama also spoke out about the original shootings earlier on Thursday, noting that the shootings were symptomatic and emotions were raw
"Change has been too slow. We have to have a greater sense of urgency about this." —@POTUS: https://t.co/gawmjdMFWF — The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 7, 2016
