Dallas shooting: Obama urges US to 'reject despair'

Image copyrightAP

Image captionPictures of the five fallen officers were central to the service

President Barack Obama has urged the US to "reject despair" as he paid tribute to five police officers killed during a deadly sniper attack in Dallas.

He told a memorial service in the city the US must "try to find some meaning amidst our sorrow" and could unite.

His trip came amid mounting racial tensions across the country.

Micah Johnson killed the Dallas officers at a protest held over the recent police shootings of African Americans in Minnesota and Louisiana.

Before he was killed by police, he said he was angry about the shootings.

Meanwhile, protests over excessive police force against black Americans have been held in cities across the US.

But speaking at Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas on Tuesday, Mr Obama urged the country not to despair.

Americans are struggling with what has happened in the past week, he said, and events appeared to have revealed "the deepest fault line of our democracy".

"I'm here to say we must reject such despair. I'm here to insist that we are not as divided as we seem."

The service featured five portraits of the officers and five empty chairs.

Ex-President George W Bush, a Texan, praised the police: "Their courage is our protection and shield."

And Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, who spoke first, said: "The soul of our city was pierced."

First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, will also meet privately with the families of the victims on Wednesday.

Image copyrightAFP

Image captionIn his eulogy, Mr Obama praised the way Dallas reacted to the sniper

Image copyrightEUROPEAN PHOTOPRESS AGENCY

Image captionPolice Chief David Brown received a standing ovation when he was introduced

Image copyrightAFP

Image captionGeorge W Bush praised the courage of the police

Image copyrightEPA

Image captionThe city held a candlelight vigil to remember the slain officers

Dallas police have ramped up security ahead of the president's visit, enlisting help from the Arlington Police Department to work with Secret Security.

The US has been on edge in the wake of the recent string of violence, with protests over police reform and race relations roiling across the country.

Mr Obama and Mr Biden on Monday met with law enforcement officials to discuss police reform and how to repair relations between police officers and the communities they protect.

The president, who cut short a trip to Europe over the recent violence, is expected to host a similar meeting on Wednesday in Dallas with law enforcement as well as local leaders and activists.