John Legend, Shonda Rimes and more respond to wave of violence involving officers and civilians

LOS ANGELES, July 8 (UPI) -- Celebrities took to Twitter to share their thoughts following the recent wave of shootings that have rocked the country this week.

Alton Sterling was killed Tuesday in Baton Rouge, La., while pinned down by two officers.

Philando Castile was shot by a police officer in Minnesota on Wednesday while reaching for his wallet during a routine traffic stop.

Then chaos developed overnight in Dallas on Thursday when a sniper took aim at police during a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in response to the two officer-involved shootings earlier this week.

The attacks in Dallas left five officers dead and another seven wounded.

Celebrities spoke out on social media calling for support and peaceful action.

"These Dallas shootings are horrific," singer John Legend tweeted . "Killing these officers is morally reprehensible and completely counterproductive to keeping us safe."

TV queen and Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes tweeted , "As someone with law enforcement in my family, I am just shaking. That does not equal this. Senseless. Horrific. Heartbreaking."

Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda shared the name of the first slain officer to be identified, along with his grief at the story unfolding in Texas.

"Brent Thompson. 4 more officers dead, names still unreleased. More wounded. Heartsick for Dallas this morning," he said.

Actress Rashida Jones, known for her roles on The Office and Parks and Rec, shared her heartbreak saying, "My heart hurts. Too much death. Too much hate. Hug your loved ones tight. Tell them that in the darkest times, we MUST love even harder."

Actress Olivia Wilde tweeted "Demanding respect for black lives is in no way inciting violence against police officers. Murder is madness. It is never the answer."

Demanding respect for black lives is in no way inciting violence against police officers. Murder is madness. It is never the answer.

— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) July 8, 2016