Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement on the brutal murder of five police officers in Dallas, Texas and the tragic deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile:

“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. I am so sad for the families of these officers and for the people of Dallas, just as I am for the families of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, whose deaths were equally tragic.

"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.

“I will work to pass laws that will help protect our citizens and our first responders. But I’m aware that our divisions will not be healed by laws alone, but by love for one another. Our national conversation is not just legal – it’s moral.

“I support all my friends in law enforcement today, and I send sincere condolences to the families of all those whose lives were lost senselessly over the past few days.”