Former President George W. Bush on Friday said his family is deeply saddened by the sniper attack in Dallas.

“Laura and I are heartbroken by the heinous act of violence in our city last night,” he said in a statement from Crawford, Texas. "Murdering the innocent is always evil, never more so than when the lives taken belong to those who protect our families and communities.”

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Bush on Friday praised authorities in Dallas, adding he hopes the police officers hurt in the bloodshed recover.

“Laura and I have seen firsthand the dedication, professionalism and courage of the Dallas Police Department,” he said, referring to former first lady Laura Bush.

“Their commitment to safety and justice makes us proud to call Dallas home. Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen. We pray for the wounded officers to recover fully and quickly.”

Bush added Thursday’s attacks show the sacrifices police make for their fellow Americans nationwide.

“And we join our fellow citizens in saluting the fine law enforcement officers in Dallas and across the country who put their own lives on the line to keep all lives safe.”

Five police officers were killed and seven wounded by gunfire late Thursday, the deadliest attack on police since 9/11. Four people armed with rifles are suspected in the “ambush-style” attack, one of whom was killed by a police explosive.

Thursday’s shooting occurred amid protests over police using lethal force against African-Americans nationwide. Two black men were killed by police officers this week in separate incidents captured in graphic videos released on social media.