Celebrities, notable figures reflect on Baton Rouge police shooting

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Sunday, July 17, 2016
President Barack Obama speaks about the Baton Rouge, La., shooting of police officers, Sunday, July 17, 2016.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo

After at least three police officers were killed in Baton Rouge on Sunday, celebrities and notable figures alike reflected on the recent violence.

The officers were killed while responding to a report of shots fired. At least three others were injured. One suspect is dead, and officials said this is not an active shooting situation.

The shooting comes less than two weeks after the death of Alton Sterling, who was killed by police in Baton Rogue on July 5, and Philando Castile, who was killed by police on July 6 in Falcon Heights, Minn. It also comes 10 days after a sniper opened fire on police during a protest in Dallas, killing five officers.

President Obama addressed the nation to condemn the attack and urge unity, saying, "We need to temper our words and open our hearts."

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pointed to what he called a "lack of leadership" as a reason for the shootings.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton released a statement saying, "We must not turn our backs on each other."

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards called it an "unspeakable and unjustified attack on all of us" and Texas Governor Greg Abbott said it was time for everyone to come together and call for an end to violence.

Politicians weren't the only ones weighing in. Celebrities on social media also offered condolences and expressed their thoughts about the shootings.

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