Dallas shooter 'wanted to kill white people'

A suspect in the Dallas police shooting told negotiators he was "upset" about Black Lives Matter, and "wanted to kill white people, especially white [police] officers".

In a press conference, police chief David Brown said the gunman was killed by a police explosive placed by a "bomb robot" used to place the device near the suspect, who had been cornered in the El Centro College garage.

There was "no other option" after negotiations broke down and an exchange of fire, he said.

"Other options would have exposed our officers to grave danger," he added. "The suspect is deceased as a result of detonating the bomb."

He confirmed that earlier reports the suspect killed himself were inaccurate.

He finished by praising police officers, whom he described as "some of the bravest men and women" in the world.

"We don't feel much support most days," he said.

"Let's not make today most days. Please. We need your support to be able to protect you from men like these, who carried out this tragic, tragic event."