Dallas Sniper Intended to Carry Out 'Wider Attacks'

U.S. police say the Dallas sniper had intended to carry out 'wider' attacks even before the killing of two Black individuals by police and the recent protests. Investigators found bomb-making materials and a handwritten booklet on military tactics at his residence, belonging to the shooter, Micah Johnson. Authorities believe Johnson had been practicing explosive skills for some time, and the explosives found were substantial enough to cause devastating effects in Dallas and northern Texas. Police also stated that during his attacks, Johnson played a two-hour game of negotiation with officers, 'lying' to them, asking 'how much do you get paid' or stating 'he still wanted to kill more people.' According to Dallas Police Chief David Brown, who spoke to CNN, Johnson was aware of the protest route in Dallas and began shooting from a strategic angle using his high-caliber rifle. At one point, he was injured and wrote the letters 'RB' on the wall with his blood. Brown stated that the meaning of these letters is still unclear. Meanwhile, he had hidden in a position that was out of sight from police snipers, prompting the police to use a bomb-carrying robot. Micah Johnson, the Dallas shooter, was a supporter of extremist Black militia groups and had served in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. The shooting incident has sparked a new wave of protests against the killing of Black individuals by police and accusations of racism against U.S. police forces. Protests against police conduct continue, with dozens arrested during demonstrations on July 20. Barack Obama, the President of the United States, who has called for an investigation into the shootings of Black individuals, has also ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in memory of the fallen officers. Obama described the shooting of police as 'evil and disgusting.' He is scheduled to visit Dallas on Tuesday, where he will give a speech and have a private meeting with the families of the five slain officers. Former President George W. Bush, former Texas Governor Laura Bush, and Vice President Joe Biden will accompany Obama.