The founder of one group of activists tells Sky News he understands why Micah Johnson murdered five police officers.
The man suspected of shooting a dozen police officers in Dallas, killing five, followed black militant groups on Facebook, authorities say.Among Micah Johnson's Facebook likes were the African American Defense Leagueand the New Black Panther Party, which wasfounded in Dallas.
Johnson, a 25-year-old army veteran who served a tour in Afghanistan, was killed by a police remote-controlled bomb early on Fridayafter telling a police negotiator that he was upset at white people and wanted to kill them - especially white officers.The co-founder of one Dallas-based pro-black group, Huey P Newton Gun Club's Yafeuh Balogun, told Sky's CordeliaLynch that Johnson was a familiar face at the club.Mr Balogun said he understood why Johnson carried out the attack.Micah Johnson was a follower of several black militant groups on FacebookThe gun club co-founder said: "He did it because he wanted to see an immediate end to police brutality. Not just black people, but brown people, poor people, across the United States of America."Why is it that other countries are not having this problem? We think that America has the blood of its citizens on its hands."Leaders of the New Black Panther Party have often spoken of their anti-white and anti-Jewish views, blaming Jews particularly for the 9/11 terrorist attacks and for the slave trade.President Barack Obama has tried to calm fears of a divided nation saying Johnson was a "demented" individual who does not represent the views of African Americans.He said: "America is not as divided as some have suggested. There is sorrow, there is anger, there is confusion... but there is unity."Wimbledon champion Serena Williams has spoken about the shooting of black people by US police, saying she was "concerned", and was also "very sad" by the deadly sniper attackstargeting Dallas officers.
She said: "I do have nephews and I'm thinking 'do I have to call them and tell them don't go outside? If you get in your car it might be the last time I see you'."That's something that is of great concern, because it would be devastating. They're very good kids."I don't think the answer is to continue to shoot our young black men in the United States, or black people in general."Violence is not the answer in solving it."She added: "The shooting in Dallas was very sad. No one deserves to lose their life. The entire situation is extremely sad and is somethingthat is very painful to see happening."The shootings came a day after the African American Defense League posted a Facebook message calling police "pigs" and calling for those in Louisiana to "rally the troops", adding: "It is time to visit Louisiana and hold a barbecue"."You and I know what we must do and I don't mean marching, making a lot of noise or attending conventions," said the message, which was attributed to Dr Mauricelm-Lei Milliere, a leader of the organisation.
According to Dallas Police, Johnson's Facebook account also included information about Richard Griffin, who "embraces a radical form of Afrocentrism" but Mr Griffin, a member of hip hop group Public Enemy, said on his Facebook page following the shootings that he does "not advocate killing cops".During his six years in the army reserve, which included an Afghanistan posting between November 2013 and July 2014, Johnson wasa private first class with a specialty in carpentryand masonry.Police officers stand guard outside Micah Johnson's homeHe had learned about the military while in the ROTC programme at John Horn High School in Mesquite, a working class area east of Dallas.Johnson is believed to have acted alone when he attacked police, although he had no criminal history and was known by his family and neighbours as an "army strong" veteran who spent hours every day playing basketball.His parents divorced in 1996 but he is believed to have been living with family members.His home was the scene of a police search on Friday, withofficers uncovering an arsenal of rifles, ammunition, bomb-making material, bullet-proof vests and what was described as a combat journal.A friend Israel Cooper said he was "in disbelief" when he heard that Johnson was a suspect in the shootings.
He said Cooper was "just not like a violent or rough dude" and that he had a "cool vibe, wasn't really political and seemed educated".He added that Johnson went by his middle name, Xavier, and that he could often spend up to eight hours playing basketball at a nearby park.
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