Dallas shooting: Tributes flow for lives lost as the city reels from a deadly sniper attack

IT was one of the touching tributes that emerged in the aftermath of the fatal Dallas police shooting — a silent salute to fallen heroes.

IT was one of the touching tributes that emerged in the aftermath of the fatal Dallas police shooting.

A group of Dallas police officers lined up in a silent salute outside the hospital where several of their colleagues remain in critical condition after snipers killed five officers at a Black Lives Matter march.

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Somber, powerful moment as #Dallas officers salute the fallen in this Honor Line https://t.co/5PdWdHPg5n @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/AhcUxgSdxG

— Ben Russell (@BenRussellNBC5) July 8, 2016

The shooting has now been called the deadliest day for police officers since 9/11.

Snipers shot dead five officers and wounded seven others during a protest against police brutality in Dallas, in what US President Barack Obama on Friday called a “vicious, despicable and calculated” attack.

As the heart of the city was attacked, and locals were left reeling from the tragic incident, many started to post their tributes to the fallen police officers on social media with the hashtags #Dallas, #DallasStrong and #IStandWithDallas.

Celebrities including Beyonce have also posted tributes. On her website, she dedicated her homepage to an open letter titled ‘Freedom’ after the deaths of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota.

Her statement mourns “these robberies of lives” and urged readers to contact their local politicians.

“We all have the power to channel our anger and frustration into action,” the call to action reads. “We must use our voices to contact the politicians and legislators in our districts and demand social and judicial changes.”

She also posted this message on Instagram.

Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt and other celebrities posted these tributes:

Having trouble sleeping. Found this. #MLK #nonviolence #Dallas pic.twitter.com/qiyQ3owsVH

— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) July 8, 2016

My heart hurts. Too much death. Too much hate. Hug your loved ones tight. Tell them that in the darkest times, we MUST love even harder.

— Rashida Jones (@iamrashidajones) July 8, 2016

Words don't get people killed. GUNS get people killed. BLM deeds equal intelligent discourse. Guns equal violence. https://t.co/SupaetoO1G

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) July 8, 2016

Former presidential Republican candidate Ted Cruz, current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and former Congressman-turned radio host Joe Walsh left these messages on Twitter.

Prayers and condolences to all of the families who are so thoroughly devastated by the horrors we are all watching take place in our country

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2016

Men & 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.

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) July 8, 2016

Worst attack on our Police since 9/11.This has been building for some time. Hating on Cops leads to killing Cops.Stop it.

— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) July 8, 2016

The local paper, the Dallas Morning News, tweeted a message of solidarity.

We are #DallasStrong pic.twitter.com/lwsU163jpt

— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) July 8, 2016

Some started to share images with a tribute to police, saying #bluelivesmatter as well.

Others shared this police badge which captures the words: ‘We stand with Dallas Police’.

Other US police departments and international police organisations sent their condolences and tribute too.

LA County Sheriff sends compassion and prayers to those families who lost loved ones today #PrayForDallas pic.twitter.com/2qh6BGsFkc

— LA County Sheriff's (@LASDHQ) July 8, 2016

[#DallasPoliceShooting] Tribute to our american colleagues of @DallasPD unfairly killed in #Dallas last night pic.twitter.com/EYRm4ULyej

— Police Nationale (@PoliceNationale) July 8, 2016