Critics on all sides of the political spectrum, including an NBA player from Chicago, have denounced former Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh after he sent a tweet including the phrase "Watch out Obama" following the shooting of multiple Dallas police officers Thursday night.

Milwaukee Bucks player Jabari Parker tweeted early Friday "@WalshFreedom You ain't landing a single finger on @BarackObama. No body is. Chicago and myself going to make sure of that."

In a tweet that has since been deleted, Walsh wrote "3 Dallas Cops killed, 7 wounded. This is now war. Watch out Obama. Watch out black lives matter punks. Real America is coming after you."

Walsh later tweeted "I wasn't calling for violence, against Obama or anyone. Obama's words & BLM's deeds have gotten cops killed. Time for us to defend our cops." Parker responded directly to that tweet. 

21-year-old Parker was raised in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood, and attended Simeon Career Academy and Duke University before he was selected second overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2014 NBA Draft. 

After responding to Walsh, Parker then tweeted,"Im not a man of violence. I'm a man of God. I have faith that peace will happen. We have to take the higher road and allow God's will."

"The irony of people who say 'All lives matter', while they refuse to help out the matter at hand or feel sympathetic. Confusing I know," he added.

Walsh served one term in Illinois as the representative for the state's 8th District before being defeated by Rep. Tammy Duckworth in 2012. He went on to become the host of a conservative radio show on WIND-AM 560.

His comments following Thursday's shooting, in which authorities said a lone gunman killed five police officers and injured seven others, have drawn sharp criticism for what many saw as a threat to President Obama. 

"Joe Walsh needs to be arrested for threatening our President," singer John Legend tweeted.

Walsh told the Chicago Tribune that Twitter suspended his account, allowing him to reactivate it only if that tweet was removed. He said it was deleted without him taking any action, according to the Tribune. 

Several other tweets about the shooting remained on his account including, "BLM should be categorized as a hate group," and "Wake up silent majority."

"It's time 4 patriotic Americans to stand up & stand against all the Cop haters - from Obama to the thugs on the street," Walsh also shared. "It's way past time."

This isn't the first time the former tea party congressman has drawn controversy.

He infamously said in 2012 that then-Congressional opponent Duckworth, who lost both legs when her Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Iraq, wasn't a "true hero."

He made national headlines by saying “true heroes” don’t boast about their military records, as he accused Duckworth of doing. Duckworth won, with 55 percent of the vote.

Two Russian pilots were killed after their military helicopter was shot down by ISIS fighters in Syria, according to the Russian military, NBC News reported. 

The pilots were on a test flight with ammunition near Homs when they responded to a call asking them for help fighting an ISIS offensive east of Palmyra, Russia’s defense ministry said in a statement reported by state media Tass. 

"After having run out of ammunition, the turning around helicopter was hit by militants' gunfire from the ground and crashed in the area controlled by the Syrian governmental army. The crew died," the defense ministry said in the statement. 

Russian forces began intervening in September on behalf of Syrian President Bashar Assad in the government’s efforts to fight ISIS.

In a major defeat during an otherwise fruitful process for him, Bernie Sanders failed to get strong language opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership inserted in the draft Democratic platform at a party meeting in Orlando, Florida, Saturday.

Instead, the committee approved an amendment backed by a large swath of labor unions that called for tough restrictions on trade deals, but did not explicitly oppose the trade pact with a dozen Pacific Rim nations that liberals say would hurt workers, NBC News reported.

"We are very disappointed," said Sanders top policy adviser Warren Gunnells. "The good news is that virtually everyone who spoke during the debate on trade made it clear that they opposed this unfettered free trade agreement."

Both Sanders and Hillary Clinton oppose the TPP, but the Obama administration supports it, and the desire to avoid embarrassing the president carried the day, with the labor unions acting as a political shield for the White House.

The MLB All-Star Game in San Diego will now feature a pair of Padres. Left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz was added to the National League roster on Saturday, joining 1st baseman Wil Myers in the Midsummer Classic at Petco Park.

This is the first All-Star selection for Pomeranz, who is in his first season with the Padres. The lefty is 8-7 with a 2.47 ERA and 115 strikeouts. Pomeranz was acquired in an off-season trade with the A's that sent 1st baseman Yonder Alonso to Oakland (the same move that cleared the way for Myers to take over 1st base full-time).

It was assumed he would resume his role as a relief pitcher but Drew won a spot in the rotation in Spring Training and has been easily the best starter on the club.

Pomeranz replaces Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard, who was removed from his last start due do a shoulder issue.

Two other moves were made to the NL team. Pirates outfielder Starling Marte and Reds outfielder Jay Bruce will replace Mets outfielder Yoenis Céspedes and Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler, who are both nursing injuries. Cespedes and Fowler were both in the starting lineup and will be replaced in the starting nine by Marlins OF Marcell Ozuna and Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez, the highest ranked NL outfielders on the Player Ballot.

Prominent Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson was among dozens of protesters arrested Saturday night during demonstrations over the death of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Mckesson, who live-streamed his arrest on Periscope, was taken into custody while walking along the side of the Airline Highway with fellow protesters, NBC News reported.

Hundreds of protesters angry over Sterling's death at the hands of two white officers took to the streets again Saturday, calling for justice in an often-tense evening that saw police arrest a number of demonstrators.

It was not immediately clear whether police had charged Mckesson, one of the most recognizable faces to emerge from the Black Lives Matter movement. More than 30 people had been arrested, police said.

Retired Lt. Gen Michael T. Flynn, who most recently served as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, is being vetted as a last-minute addition to Donald Trump's pool of possible vice presidential picks, NBC News confirms.

But, the 33-year Army veteran's views on abortion is sure to draw an outcry from Republicans already wary about Trump's conservative credentials.

In an interview on ABC News Sunday, Flynn suggested that he is in favor of abortion rights — a position anathema to social conservatives.

"Abortion, I think it's a, I think for women, and these are difficult issues, but I think women have to be able to choose," Flynn said.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, the president of the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List, said in a statement that Flynn's comments were disqualifying.

The Bahamas on Friday issued a travel warning to its citizens visiting the United States, recommending that young men in particular take care in cities affected by recent tensions over police shootings.

"We wish to advise all Bahamians traveling to the U.S. but especially to the affected cities to exercise appropriate caution generally," according to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. "In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police."

The Ministry also advised its citizens to not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds.

The advisory comes as protests against deadly police shootings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and suburban St. Paul, Minnesota, were held in cities across the U.S. The demonstrations came after a sniper attack that killed five police officers and wounded seven others in Dallas.

The U.S. regularly issues travel advisories for Americans visiting other countries. In January, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau put out a warning over crime in the Bahamian capital, which prompted complaints from business owners in the tourism-dependent island nation.

The statement from the Bahamian foreign ministry provided a list of consular offices in the U.S. for its citizens to contact in case issues arise.

"Pay attention to the public notices and news announcements in the city that you are visiting," the advisory said. "Be safe, enjoy the holiday weekend and be sensible."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Scores of protesters were arrested and five cops injured in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Saturday night as demonstrations continued nationwide over police violence against African-Americans.

Around 100 protesters were taken into custody in Saint Paul, police said, while more than 30 people were arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Both cities continue to reel after the deaths of two black men at the hands of police last week, NBC News reported.

In Saint Paul, protesters blocked Interstate 94 and chanted the name of Philando Castile, 32, who was fatally shot by a St. Anthony police officer in Falcon Heights on Wednesday.

Authorities used smoke bombs when 200 protesters refused to leave the roadway just after midnight. By 12:45 a.m. Sunday, police said they were clearing debris from the road in order to reopen the highway.

A San Carlos woman donated her tenth gallon of blood at the San Diego Blood Bank Saturday morning.

Barbara Haney was inspired by her father, who was a regular donor. She often makes donating into a girls day out that includes lunch and shopping.

She has donated blood every eight weeks for the last 20 years.

"I really think it's a good cause and I think everybody should support giving blood," said Haney. "It's something everybody can do."

Haney brought friends Mary and Stephanie for her milestone Saturday.

To be eligible to donate blood you must be at least 17 years old (15 and 16 year olds may donate with parental consent), weigh at least 114 pounds and be in general good health.

Residents were allowed to return home hours after a brush fire scorched more than 1,100 acres in the Santa Clarita Valley Saturday, forcing the evacuation of 700 homes in the Stevenson Ranch area, officials said. 

The so-called Sage Fire erupted near The Old Road and Calgrove Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. 

More than 200 firefighters battled the blaze, which jumped from about 75 acres Saturday afternoon to 800 acres by 7:30 p.m. The blaze was 20 percent contained as of Sunday morning.

Resident Tony Chavez from Castaic helped his family defend their home as flames chewed through thick dry brush 50 yards away.

"The heat was so intense, it was burning the hairs on my legs and at that point everyone was taking off," Chavez said. "We decided to stay and fight."

They used garden hoses and water from a Jacuzzi to battle the flames.

The forced evacuation affected roughly 2,000 people, including residents in the areas of Morning Mist, Hazlecrest Lane, Bracken Lane, Laurel Crest Lane, Sagecrest to Smokewood Way, Summerhill Lane, SouthWind Court, Jasmine Lane and Southern Oaks Drive between Greenbriar Drive.

An evacuation center was set up at the College of the Canyons at 26400 Rockwell Canyon Road.

Fire officials began to allow residents to return home at 9:30 p.m. as long as they provided identification. No large vehicles like RV's would be allowed.

Plumes of smoke could be seen for miles. The blaze also caused a major backup on the 5 Freeway. 

There were no reports of homes damaged, although red fire retardant was dumped on homes as firefighters battled the blaze.

One inmate firefighter suffered a minor injury and nother firefighter was being treated for a heat-related injury, fire officials said. 

The cause of the blaze was under investigation.

Kate Larsen contributed to this report.

A kitchen fire on the fourth floor of Petco Park was put out Sunday, fire officials said.

The fire broke out Sunday morning and prompted a response from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD).

Battalion Chief Ed Kinnanom said the fire was out when crews arrived and no injuries were reported. It is unclear how bad the damage is.  

Environmental services will need to approve the kitchen area before it can reopen. 

This week, Petco Park is hosting the All-Star Game. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

No other information was immediately available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story. 

Residents and City leaders gathered outside the main gate of the Crossroads of the West Gun Show in Del Mar Saturday to advocate for tougher gun safety laws.

A spokesperson for the group said they have been organizing rallies since the San Bernardino shooting.

The group said they don't want to take guns away from people, but believe increased gun safety laws will help keep guns out of the wrong hands.

"Looking at the headlines of this past week, the need is becoming increasingly urgent that we do something,” Del Mar resident Wayne Dernetz said.

They're urging more education for gun owners, background checks for guns and ammunition, and a limit on how many guns and how much ammo can be purchased at a time.

Rose Ann Sharp said she was there because she doesn’t want her eight-year-old grandchild to grow up in a country where he has to worry about getting shot.

“Six months ago we were using stats that said there was a mass shooting every six months, then they turned it to every two months, now we’re saying there’s a mass shooting every month,” Sharp said. “There are too many guns in the hands of the wrong people.”

County Supervisor Dave Roberts was also there showing support and bringing awareness about the ties between mental health and mass shootings.

Democrats in Congress have been pushing for stricter gun laws, including closing the ‘gun show loophole’ and not allowing people on the ‘no fly’ list to buy guns, but so far most legislation has been gridlocked or voted down. 

Charles Ramsey, one of the co-chairs of President Obama's task force in community policing and former Philadelphia police commissioner, told NBC's Chuck Todd he doesn't think the upcoming Republican and Democratic national conventions are going to occur "without some incident taking place."

"It's unfortunate, but that's what I personally think. I hope that's not the case. But you've got too many people that are now with this extreme rhetoric, and that is just not good for anybody," Ramsey said.

The GOP convention begins on July 18 in Cleveland. The following week, the Democrats will kick off their convention in Philadelphia.

When it comes to the "volatile time we're in right now," Ramsey also stated his belief that thoughtful people need to "sit down and engage in dialogue" in order to come up with the solutions to the problems that our country currently faces.

The MLB All-Star Concert Series was in full swing on Friday, July 8 after OneRepublic and NEEDTOBREATHE threw the first pitch at Embarcadero Marina Park South. OneRepublic are a soulful pop/rock band that made it big with the instantly recognizable single, “Apologize.” Alt-rock radio mainstays NEEDTOBREATHE opened the show and left the audience gasping for air (in a good way).

As if that free show wasn’t enough, the MLB All-Star Concert Series heats up even more on Saturday, July 9 when multi-platinum-selling pop artist Gwen Stefani shares the Embarcadero stage with Grammy Award-winning hip-hop star and accomplished actress Eve at 7 p.m. To get the day going, acclaimed pop/punk band All Time Low opens for Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter Tori Kelly at noon.

If you didn’t get the free tickets in time, all three shows are also part of MLB’s Pepsi Music Series, which will feature a huge range of artists that will be performing throughout All-Star Week. The full lineup will be announced at a later date, so be sure to stay tuned to SoundDiego.com for more details.

San Diego police are searching for a suspect who robbed a Kearny Mesa gas station clerk at gunpoint. 

The robbery happened at 1:45 a.m. Sunday at the 76 Station on the 3800 block of Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego Police Department (SDPD) officers said. 

The suspect walked up to the cashier and pulled a black semi-automatic handgun from his waistband, demanding money, SDPD officers said. 

The cashier gave the suspect an unknown amount of money, police said. 

The suspect then left the store on foot, walking westbound on Ostrow Street. 

The cashier was not injured. 

Police described do not have a clear description of the suspect, but said he is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 155 pounds. At the time, the suspect was wearing a black windbreaker jacket with grey pants and white tennis shoes. The hood of the jacket was up, police say, and the suspect had a black bandana covering his face.

The robbery is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact police. 

No other information was immediately available.

After rumors surfaced on social media that Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman had escaped prison a third time, Mexico's Interior Secretary tweeted a picture late Friday showing a person appearing to be the notorious drug kingpin sitting in prison.

"For the rumors: an image," Mexican Secretary of the Interior Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong wrote in Spanish on Twitter, accompanying a picture of a computer monitor showing Guzman at a square table in a room with white walls and doors. The computer's time reads 8:05 p.m. on July 8.

NBC News has not verified the credibility of the image.

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Guzman, the head of the Sinaloa drug cartel, busted out of prison in 2001, making him the world's most wanted drug trafficker until his capture in February 2014. But in July 2015, Guzman disappeared again after escaping from a maximum security prison in Mexico through a tunnel in his cell.

He was captured in January and transferred to the Cefereso No. 9 prison in Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, Texas.

People flocked to the Gaslamp Saturday night for the MLB All-Star Week's FanFest.

As San Diego prepares to host the game for the first time in 24 years, some major league stars were in town, including Gary Templeton, Steve Garvey and Dave Winfield.

Gwen Stefani's free All Star Weekend concert on the Embarcadero South had fans channeling their inner pop star.

For nine-year-old Sophia Taylor the concert proved to be the perfect birthday gift.

“My mom made it a surprise for me because it's my birthday,” she said. “How awesome is that? It’s very awesome! I’m super excited to see her live!”

From Gwen Stefani to Steve Garvey the All Star Games return to San Diego proved to be a star-studded affair.

“The city’s really stepping up so it's going to be a crazy weekend and it's good for baseball and the city,” actor Jamie Kennedy said.

Former Padre Gary Templeton felt the love from fans seeking autographs.

"People of SD deserve to have games like this so people around the world can realize San Diego has some of the greatest fans in the world," Templeton said. 

Now … the game is REALLY on.

The San Diego Registrar of Voters confirmed on Saturday that the Chargers were able to gather enough signatures to put their citizens’ initiative for a Downtown stadium/convention center on the November ballot in 2016.

A random sampling of the 110,380 signatures turned in on June 10 showed the projected total of valid signatures was 78,964, giving them 12,517 more than necessary to put the initiative before voters. The official title of the initiative, “San Diego Integrated Convention Center Expansion/Stadium and Tourism Initiative,” is now in the hands of the San Diego City voting public.

“The entire Chargers organization is grateful to all of those who helped qualify our initiative for the November 2016 ballot," said Chargers Chairman Dean Spanos in a statement. "We gathered more than 110,000 signatures in less than six weeks, an extraordinary result that demonstrates the high level of community interest in a new multi-use stadium and convention center facility downtown. I would again like to thank all of those who signed the petition along with the fan groups, labor organizations, and businesses large and small that helped with our effort.”

The citizens’ initiative would allow for a new NFL-caliber facility for the Chargers and conventional center expansion in the East Village that would be built with a combination of public and private funding. The National Football League and San Diego Chargers would provide a total of $650 million while the rest of the estimated $1.7 billion would come from raising a transient occupancy tax to 16.5% on San Diego hotel rooms (a 4% increase).

One of the several questions now is how much voting support the initiative will need. Another court case has muddied the waters and might allow for a simple majority of voters to approve the plan. If not, the proposal will only pass with two-thirds support.

The Chargers will now start a costly campaign to try and gain as much public support for their plan as possible. If it loses the vote in November the Chargers will have the option to try and put together another proposal to build a stadium somewhere in San Diego or accept a standing offer to be a second team in the Los Angeles market by moving to a new facility in Inglewood that will be constructed by Rams owner Stan Kroenke.

Black Lives Matter activists marched through Downtown San Diego Sunday morning, holding signs condemning police brutality. 

The rally began at 10 a.m. Sunday at the San Diego Convention Center, where activists gathered to meet. 

Holding signs, protesters marched down Park Boulevard. 

San Diego police followed the protesters along their route to make sure the rally was safe. 

No other information was immediately available.

NBC 7 San Diego will have a crew at the rally. Check back for updates.