Micah Xavier Johnson, a black 25-year-old from Mesquite, Texas, targeted white officers in Thursday’s attack, fatally shooting five and wounding more, police said.
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Micah Johnson, the man who shot 12 police officers, killing 5, in Dallas on Thursday night may have had grandiose plans of mayhem, according to the head of police.
Investigators have determined that 11 officers returned fire at the suspect and two used a Remotec Andros Mark V-A1 robot with an explosive device to kill him inside El Centro College. Although he was relieved the killing of the armed suspect in Dallas assured that no other police officers or bystanders would be harmed, Cohen says he’s anxious about what might happen next.
Brown said a search of Johnson’s home showed the gunman had practiced using explosives, and that other evidence suggested he wanted to use them against law enforcement officers.
He said that indicated the killer could have done more damage with more time but used the protest in Dallas to strike in a more limited, albeit deadly, fashion.
“I approved it, and I’d do it again if presented with the same circumstances”, he said, adding that he had no patience for a debate on whether using the robot presented an unwise escalation in police tactics.
President Barack Obama and other political leaders are expected to be in Dallas on Tuesday for a memorial service in honor of the shooting victims, but the Dallas Police Department will not take the lead on security.
“We believe that we saved lives by making this decision”, Brown said.
Police officers blockade a road near the Dallas police headquarters after receiving an anonymous threat against law enforcement across the city, in Dallas, the United States, on July 9, 2016.
Brown emphasized his department’s focus on community policing and cited the city’s 50 percent overall reduction in crime over the past 12 years.
Brown said that they have to do that for the sake of their families. “I’m so sorry that they lost their lives, but I’m thankful”. There is speculation they stood for “Righteous Blood” and refer to Matthew 23:35, which says: “That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth”.
After the incident, officials said that it appeared that Johnson, who had no criminal history, had acted alone and had no links to any worldwide terrorist organization.
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He also encouraged Americans to “stand up” to support police officers.
