LAPD Monitoring Situation In Dallas Where 5 Officers Died In 'Ambush Style' Shootings

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles police were monitoring the situation in Dallas Thursday in which five officers were fatally shot during protests downtown. Six others were wounded.

The protests organized by Black Lives Matter drew several hundred people and was in response to two recent fatal police shootings in Minnesota and Louisiana.

Dramatic video captured the aftermath as protesters started running, seeking shelter, when police say two snipers opened fire on officers from an "elevated position" around 8:45 p.m.

At a news conference, Dallas Police Chief David Brown described the shooting as "ambush style." As many as 50 shots were fired. He said late Thursday three people were in custody, while a fourth was exchanging gunfire with officers.

"As of 9:44 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department is not on any form of tactical alert," the LAPD said via Twitter. "We offer our heartfelt condolences as a department to the families of the officers killed in tonight's attack in downtown Dallas."

A cameraman covering the protest came upon a horrific site where police officers could be seen scattered all across the street.

"Tonight's assassinations undermine our democracy and were an attack on us all," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in part via Twitter. "Our country depends on both those who protect our democracy and those who embody it. LA is with you Dallas."

Charlie Beck, the police chief of the LAPD, also took to Twitter, stating: "Blue lives matter, they are willingly given and senselessly taken. Tragedy beyond belief."