Local leaders urge unity after Dallas shooting

Following the late-night killing of five police officers in Dallas and two men in Minnesota and Louisiana in the days before, top local leaders asked Illinoisans for unity.

Gov. Bruce Rauner: "All of these events speak to the lack of unity and trust in many of our communities and underscores the urgency in addressing that lack of trust."

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Springfield Democrat: "Those who try to exploit this Dallas tragedy for political purposes or ignore the disturbing shootings in Minnesota and Louisiana do not add to the critical national dialogue we need. It is time for leaders to come forward calmly and honestly to end this senseless cycle of hate and violence."

U.S. Rep. Bob Dold, Kenilworth Republican: "In the wake of the attack on our law enforcement community in Dallas, as well as the deeply disturbing shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota earlier this week, let us be strong enough as a nation to pursue justice and unity while also recognizing the need to repair deep roots of division that have brought us to this moment."

U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, Hoffman Estates Democrat: "The most responsible - and best - thing we can do to honor their actions and those we lost is remain calm and not rush to judgment as we continue to learn all the facts. Let us be vigilant in our words to be sure we don't escalate this tragic situation or inflame emotions any further."

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, Plano Republican: "Today we stand with the police officers and their families who are suffering, we stand with the peaceful protesters who reject such violence, we stand with the victims of all tragic killings in this country, and we stand with communities everywhere who are working hard to combat violence with peace."

U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Evanston Democrat: "We must work together in the spirit of nonviolence to prevent the senseless killing of Americans and to ensure justice for all - no matter their skin color, sexual orientation, or religious faith. We cannot tackle these challenges if we are divided or if we let hate and prejudice and intolerance triumph."

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, Chicago Democrat: "While many questions still remain at this time, it is clear that the killers were full of hate and had only one goal in mind - to kill. It is more important than ever that all Americans come together as one to stand collectively, hand-in-hand, against hatred and violence of all kinds."