Loretta Lynch is asking Americans to stop resorting to violence.
The Attorney General addressed the country on Friday morning after gunfire erupted during a peaceful protest in Dallas Thursday evening, leaving five police officers dead and six others wounded.
“After the events of this week, Americans across our country are feeling a sense of helplessness, of uncertainty and of fear,” she said. “These feelings are understandable, and they are justified, but the answer must not be violence. The answer is never violence.” Lynch cautioned citizens not to “let this week precipitate a new normal in this country.”
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The protest in Dallas was one of multiple demonstrations that took place across the country after two black men, Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, were shot and killed by police earlier this week.
Lynch asked protesters not to let Thursday evening’s events silence them: “To those who seek to improve our country through peaceful protest and protected speech: I want you to know that your voice is important. Do not be discouraged by those who use your lawful actions as cover for their heinous violence. We will continue to safeguard your constitutional rights and to work with you in the difficult mission of building a better nation and a brighter future.”
Watch Lynch’s full address below: