AUGUSTA — Maine Gov. Paul LePage says the attack that killed five police officers in Dallas is the “epitome of evil.”

During a Thursday night protest, 12 Dallas law enforcement officers were shot — five died. 

LePage said Friday that he and his wife are sending thoughts and prayers to the families of law enforcement officers who lost their lives. He said the nation was built on “a foundation of freedoms, not hatred.”

The officers were at a protest about the recent killings by police of black men in Louisiana and Minnesota.

Maine police showed solidarity with law enforcement officers in Dallas by promoting an image of Texas with a blue stripe — the “thin blue line” — on social media.

The Maine State Police accompanied the image Friday with the comment on Facebook, “thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Dallas.”

Coverage

• Chief Michael Bussiere: Dallas a reminder of the risks of law enforcement
• Dallas shootout: 14 people shot, 5 police killed; 4 suspects, 1 killed
• Snipers kill 5 Dallas police officers during protest