President Barack Obama on Friday said that America is horrified by what appears to be a planned sniper shooting targeting police officers in Dallas. "I believe I speak for every single American when I say that we are horrified over these events and we are united with the people and police department in Dallas," he said. Obama said the FBI was in contact with Dallas police and that the federal government would provide assistance. "We still don't know all the facts, what we do know is there has been a vicious, calculated and despicable attack on law enforcement," Obama said after a meeting with European Union leaders ahead of a NATO summit in Poland.

"We also know when people are armed with powerful weapons unfortunately it makes attacks like these more deadly and more tragic. In the days ahead we are going to have to consider those realities as well."

Obama said he had spoken with Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings to extend his condolences and offer support after snipers killed five police officers and wounded six more in a coordinated attack in the city.

Snipers operating from rooftops in Dallas killed five police officers and wounded six more in a coordinated attack during one of several protests across the country against the killing of two black men by police this week.

Obama said his team is keeping him updated on the investigation and that he would have more to say as more details about the attack are learned.