Senator Ted Cruz, Others Offer Words of Calm and Condolence In Wake of Dallas Shooting

By Susan Wright | 12:00 PM on July 08, 2016

The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of RedState.com.

A Dallas police officer, who did not want to be identified, takes a moment as she guards an intersection in the early morning after a shooting in downtown Dallas, Friday, July 8, 2016. At least two snipers opened fire on police officers during protests in Dallas on Thursday night; some of the officers were killed, police said. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

As the good people of America mourn for the officers who were killed in Dallas, Texas yesterday, and stand in agreement with the prayers for peace that have gone up from city to city, the questions linger.

What caused this?

How did we get this far gone, where authority and the rule of law mean nothing?

I could make a political statement, about an irresponsible, incompetent, racist presidential administration, which has, for nearly eight years now, stirred the cesspool of racial divide, in order to weaken the nation internally.

I could get into that, but I’ll wait.

For now, I’ll just stand with those leaders who have been the voice of calm and peaceful reassurance, extending their good wishes to all those who are hurting this morning.

Senator Ted Cruz’s statement was simple and to the point:

The men and women of law enforcement selflessly run into harm’s way to save the lives of others. May God protect them and bring peace upon Dallas.

I agree, Senator.

Former Texas Governor Rick Perry tweeted out a message encouraging prayers:

Pray for our leaders, our country and those who lost love one in this tragic event in… https://t.co/Bg4fHFyfKK

— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) July 8, 2016

House Speaker Paul Ryan gave what was, perhaps, the strongest words, as he spoke on the floor of the House this morning.

“We are all stunned by the events last night in Dallas. We are all outraged,” said Ryan. “An attack on the people who protect us is an attack on all of us.”

The Wisconsin Republican added that “there’s no cause or context in which this violence, this kind of terror is justified. None at all.” He also called on unity in our mourning and in our response.

“There will be a temptation to let our anger harden our divisions. Let’s not let that happen,” said Ryan. “The blame lies with the people who committed these vicious acts and no one else.”

As the days move forward, human nature will turn mourning to anger. Speaker Ryan’s words were correct. We have to heal. We have to keep our focus on what is still good in us and reject what is bad.