“The vicious and deliberate attack on public safety officers in Dallas last night was unconscionable. That it occurred while men, women and children were engaged in a righteous and peaceful protest against the senseless killing of two men this week made it even more horrible," Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego) said in a statement. "As tragic and wrong as the deaths of Sterling and Castile were, violence against law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day cannot be tolerated and is never justified."

In a speech on the House floor, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) asked for justice and mercy.

“Many questions have yet to be answered, but whatever the motivation of the perpetrators of this horrible crime, it is clear that those perpetrators of this vile act have an agenda of evil. The past few days have seen too much death and too much heartbreak," Pelosi said.

“We condemn the intolerable actions by a few people who exploited a peaceful demonstration, shooting police officers who were there to protect those marching," Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Norwalk) said in a statement. "We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the officers slain and wish speedy recovery to those injured."

“Though the investigation into the Dallas incident continues, it is clear from the one gunman’s statements that this was a cold and calculated crime to kill police based on their position in society and for the color of their skin," Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) said in a statement. "And, disturbingly, we’re seeing more Americans turn against each other as hate manifests itself in speech and violent deeds. This is not the America that we dream of for our children.”

In a floor speech, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) praised the police response to the Dallas shooting.