Black Lives Matter reacts to Dallas shootings
Following the Dallas police shootings that killed five police officers, Black Lives Matter leaders and supporters have condemned the attack, calling for “an end to violence, not an escalation of it,” contradicting the narrative communicated by various corners of the media.
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#BlackLivesMatter advocates dignity, justice and freedom. Not murder.
— Black Lives Matter (@Blklivesmatter) July 8, 2016
While the shootings took place at a protest which was being held in reaction to the latest fatal shootings of black men by police, the movement has stressed that it does not condone the violence carried out against law enforcement.
“Black activists have raised the call for an end to violence, not an escalation of it,” it said in a statement. “To assign the actions of one person to an entire movement is dangerous and irresponsible. We continue our efforts to bring about a better world for all of us.”
Prayers for the victims of all violence tonight.
— deray mckesson (@deray) July 8, 2016
Malkika Cyril of the Center for Media Justice called for an end to police and vigilante violence.
My heart hurts for the dead. We must end police & vigilante violence, before it destroys what democracy we have left. #DallasPoliceShooting
— malkia a. cyril (@culturejedi) July 8, 2016
Shaun King, a commenter on police brutality, called the violence against the police “wrong” and said he hates police brutality, but not the police.
I hate police brutality. I don't hate police. This violence is wrong on every level. It is as American as apple pie, but wrong nonetheless.
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) July 8, 2016
Others stressed that the Dallas protest was peaceful, and urged people not to allow it to be framed as Black Lives Matter attack.
#Dallas police without riot gear met orderly peaceful BLM protesters creating positive change together. Honor them. pic.twitter.com/FsCCuACsJA
— Fight4Hillary (@EndTrumpsHate) July 8, 2016
And this is BLM's idea of peaceful protest! Prayers for these two officers and their families...:( https://t.co/0pa2O18QIy
— Camille for Congress (@for_congress) July 8, 2016
Black Lives Matter faced attacks by elements of the media, which jumped to frame the killings as the work of Black Lives Matter.
Unfortunately the media get's to shape the narrative now, further dividing and distracting the general public. #DallasPoliceShooting
— JC Langley (@TheLangleyJ) July 8, 2016
The Blaze’s Tomi Lahren compared Black Lives Matter to the Klu Klux Klan, inviting anger and scorn that led her to delete the tweet.
She also asked if President Barack Obama and Loretta Lynch would condemn the attacks, likely targeting them because they are black.
Tomi Lahren deleted her vile tweet calling the BLM movement the new KKK. We still have it, you horrible human. pic.twitter.com/0Sf6WiVhY7
— Golden Lady Wallace (@MissKlept) July 8, 2016
I wonder if Obama & Loretta Lynch will come out and sob about this too. Highly unlikely and sick. #BlueLivesMatter#Dallas
— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) July 8, 2016
The Drudge Report was quick to attribute the murders to the movement.
So Drudge is being beyond irresponsible right now pic.twitter.com/cK9BnuDa2g
— Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) July 8, 2016
The New York Post declared a “civil war” before the details were established, which drew condemnation by many across social media.
Friday's cover: 4 cops killed in Dallas tragedy https://t.co/NpUskqqtLtpic.twitter.com/tlqx0P721y
— New York Post (@nypost) July 8, 2016
Republican Congressman Joe Walsh also described the events in Dallas as a war. “Watch out Obama. Watch out black lives matter punks. Real America is coming after you.” he announced in the first of a series of angry tweets.
10 Cops shot.
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) July 8, 2016
You did this Obama.
You did this liberals.
You did this #BLM.
Time to defend our Cops. Wake up. https://t.co/Zoc3x2xlMk
Read more: ‘Now it’s war. Watch out Obama & BlackLivesMatter punks’ – ex-Congressman Joe Walsh
While Fox News continues to attribute the attack to Black Lives Matter.
@OutnumberedFNC FOX News has the worst researchers in all of television. They have no clue what Black Lives Matter is about. #GoogleIt
— GHolmes (@HOLM1226) July 8, 2016
Many people pointed to the danger and inaccuracy in blaming the actions of an individual on a group.
saying the shooters represent all of blm is like saying Isis represents all of Islam. there are some delusional ppl in this world
— Bella Clements (@Bellamazing_) July 8, 2016
It's ok 2 mourn the senseless death of the officers & still want respect for black lives. Both are important. Humans are capable of both.
— Rashida Jones (@iamrashidajones) July 8, 2016
Saying the entire BLM movement is responsible for murdering those cops is like saying all Muslims are responsible for ISIS
— kat (@kat372) July 8, 2016
Why can't we all be friends? #DallasPoliceShootingpic.twitter.com/N3ekjiY9WP
— Rishabh Sharma (@im_srishabh21) July 8, 2016