Members of Maine’s congressional delegation reacted Friday with a familiar mix of sadness and anger following the latest act in a seemingly endless string of gun violence in the country.

On Thursday, five police officers were shot and killed in Dallas during a protest over the deaths of two black men killed by police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and St. Paul, Minnesota. Several other officers and civilians were wounded in Dallas as well.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins tweeted Friday that she was “troubled by the violence across our country this weeks,” and said she was “praying for the families of terrible killings in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and (Minnesota).”

In the wake of the Orlando nightclub shooting last month, Collins tried to offer bipartisan legislation that would close a loophole that allows those on terrorist watch lists to purchase firearms. But her bill has yet to be voted on.

Sen. Angus King tweeted that he was “heartsick,” and he offered “thoughts and prayers,” to victims’ families – a refrain that has been used so often it has become rote.

“We must meet hatred and violence with love,” King wrote.

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, who represents Maine’s 1st Congressional District, issued a statement calling the Dallas shootings “devastating and heartbreaking.”

“I know all Americans condemn this senseless act of gun violence that shattered a peaceful protest,” Pingree said. “Once again, in the aftermath of another mass shooting, we must recommit ourselves to finding a way to end this cycle of violence. We are a better country than this.”

Pingree, like many Democrats, has supported strengthening gun laws but there has not been enough support in the Republican-led Congress. Last month, Pingree joined several colleagues by staging a protest on the U.S. House floor to call for votes on various gun control measures. The sit-in was well-publicized but it failed to lead to any votes.

Maine’s 2nd District U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, a Republican who has opposed gun control measures, called the news out of Dallas, “horrific.”

“Our officers across the nation put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our communities and families,” Poliquin said in a statement. “In this case, they put their lives on the line to protect our citizens’ rights to exercise their free speech. This is truly a sad day in our nation’s history.”

Eric Russell can be contacted at 791-6344 or at:

erussell@pressherald.com

Twitter: PPHEricRussell

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