"Dallas, I'm here to say we must reject such despair. I'm here to insist that we are not as divided as we seem," President Obama said.

President hopes to meet her and promises to "use my voice to call for change and help lift up your community."

President Obama held up Merrick as diligent public servant, highlighting his work leading the investigation into the Oklahoma City bombing.

Obama cast his proposal as a moment to turn the page on a facility that for years has raised nettlesome legal questions.