Dallas police shooting: Texas senior politician Dan Patrick calls protesters 'hypocrites' for running away from sniper fire

Patrick blamed protests against police violence for creating an unsafe environment for law enforcement

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Texas’ second in command, Lt Gov Dan Patrick, spoke out against protesters who ran for cover from sniper fire that halted a peaceful protest against police brutality – leaving five Dallas police officers dead in its wake.

“All those protesters last night, they turned around and ran the other way expecting the men and women in blue to protect them. What hypocrites!” Mr Patrick said during an emotional interview on Fox News.

The lieutenant governor, who is also a conservative radio talk show host, suggested that protests against police brutality create an environment that places officers at risk.

“I do blame people on social media with their hatred towards police. I do do blame former Black Lives Matter protests. ... This has to stop,” he continued. “ You can't go out on social media and mainstream media and everywhere else and say that the police are racists, the police are hateful, the police are killers. …

“I am sick and tired of those who are protesting our police and putting their lives in danger.”

Gov Greg Abbott took a calmer approach to speaking about the Thursday night shooting, calling for unity after Dallas.

“Every life matters. With each innocent life lost, we lose more of our humanity,” he said in an open letter published on the Dallas Morning News site. “It is time for us to unite as Texas, as Americans, to say no more.”

President Barack Obama addressed the attack on the officers during his visit to Poland, calling it “vicious” and “calculated”.

“I speak for every single American when I say that we are horrified over these events, and that we stand united with the people and the police department in Dallas,” Mr Obama said.

“Let's be clear: There is no possible justification for these kinds of attacks or any violence against law enforcement.”