Washington  (July 8, 2016) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) issued the following statement after five Dallas police officers were killed and seven wounded in sniper attacks. The Dallas attacks occurred during a protest rally over police shootings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Falcon Heights, Minnesota.

“The deliberate targeting of police officers during a peaceful protest in Dallas was a senseless and despicable act of hate. We grieve for the families of the officers killed, who made the ultimate sacrifice. The brave men and women of law enforcement put their lives in danger everyday to keep our communities safe, and we are grateful for their service to our neighborhoods, and families.

“As we learn more about these incidents and the perpetrators, one thing remains clear: gun violence in America is an epidemic that Congress has repeatedly failed to address. I will continue to fight for commonsense gun violence prevention legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of those who should not have them. We cannot accept these heartbreaking shootings as a new normal.

“We also must not accept discriminatory racial profiling, targeted traffic stops and other unconstitutional law enforcement techniques. I commend the Department of Justice for investigating the death of Alton B. Sterling, and I encourage a full investigation into the death of Philando Castile. Their families deserve to know what happened to their loved ones. Equal justice for them, and for all Americans, is the surest and safest path towards the peace we all seek for our families and our communities.”