The father of the man suspected of attacking the Dallas Police Headquarters with guns and explosives says his son had “snapped” under personal pressures.
Although his identity is yet to be officially confirmed, the suspect had identified himself to the authorities as James Boulware.
He was shot dead in his van by Police snipers after a stand-off.
According to his father, also named James, his son had been angered by losing custody of his son.
James senior, however, admitted that his son’s shooting at a Police Station is not right in any way.
His mother, Jeannine Hammond, told an NBC affiliate her son was mentally ill. He had faced several charges, including for attacking family members.
Dallas Police Chief, David Brown, said snipers had decided to shoot the suspect after “he became increasingly angry and threatening” during negotiations, and appeared to pose a threat to those around him.
He also said that it took sometime to confirm the death of the suspect.
Mr Brown also said: “There are bullet holes in squad cars where officers were sitting”, saying “I believe we are blessed that our officers survived this ordeal”.
