READ: George W. Bush Full Statement on Dallas Shootings

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Former President George W. Bush at a campaign event for his brother Jeb. (Getty)

Former President George W. Bush has released a statement in response to the deadly police shootings in Dallas.

On Thursday evening, five police officers were killed and seven more people were injured when a sniper began firing at a Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas. The shooter has been identified Micah Xavier Johnson. It is unclear at this time whether any other suspects were involved.

In a statement released from Crawford, the former president and former governor of Texas said his heart was broken by Thursday’s events. He also said that he has seen firsthand the dedication and professionalism of the Dallas Police Department, praising Mayor Rawlings and Chief Brown.

Laura and I are heartbroken by the heinous act of violence in our city last night. Murdering the innocent is always evil, never more so than when the lives taken belong to those who protect our families and communities.

Laura and I have seen firsthand the dedication, professionalism and courage of the Dallas Police Department. Their commitment to safety and justice makes us proud to call Dallas home. Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen. We pray for the wounded officers to recover fully and quickly. We commend Mayor Rawlings, Chief Brown, and all our city’s leaders and public servants who continue to organize an effective response to this tragedy. And we join our fellow citizens in saluting the fine law enforcement officers in Dallas and across the country who put their own lives on the line to keep all lives safe.

Also releasing statements this morning were presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Clinton said that she mourns for the officers shot while doing their sacred duty to protect peaceful protesters. In his statement, Trump said that the country has become too divided and that America needs strong leadership, love and compassion.