Toronto police concerned by Dallas shootings; chief tells officers to be cautious

TORONTO – In the wake of the deadly shooting in Dallas, Toronto’s police chief has sent an email to his force expressing concern.

Chief Mark Saunders stresses that officers must take all necessary precautions to protect themselves.

He goes on to say that he will provide them with the best and safest tools and training to give them protection.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings says authorities believe a 25-year-old suspect in the attack that killed five police officers and wounded seven others was the lone attacker.

Police killed the suspect, Micah Xavier Johnson, using a robot-delivered bomb after they say negotiations with him failed.

Two civilians also were wounded.

“It is beyond our comprehension,” Saunders said of the Dallas incident. “Our condolences are with the families of those officers killed and injured.”

“I understand how concerning the events in Dallas are, and I know you will continue to take all necessary precautions,” he said in the email.

An activist group fighting for more rights for racialized communities blocked last weekend’s Pride parade with a sit-in and issued a list of demands.

Among those demands, Black Lives Matter Toronto called for a ban on police floats in future parades.

The protest was the latest in a series of actions taken by the group that has frequently accused Toronto police of racial profiling and violence against the black community.

(CFRB)

–with files from The Associated Press