While attempting to serve two warrants in Charlotte, North Carolina, four law enforcement officers were shot and killed, and another four were injured, according to authorities on Monday.
The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force was executing active felony warrants for the felony flee to elude and the possession of a firearm by a felon at a property on the 5000 block of Galway Drive in the city’s North Tryon Division, targeting a male suspect at around 1:30 p.m. local time.
According to police, the man—later identified as 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes, Jr.—started shooting and hit several officers.
The responding officers asked for quick support. According to reports, the suspect kept shooting as more police arrived.
Hughes allegedly took a gun with him when he left the house. Officers opened fire on Hughes because they believed he posed a “imminent deadly threat.” According to authorities, Hughes was subsequently declared dead at the scene.
After being shot at, eight officers were sent to nearby hospitals. After arriving at the house, two girls were brought to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with detectives.
According to officials, three task force members were declared dead at the hospital on Monday night.
Two of the task force members were 14-year Department of Adult Corrections veterans Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott, as confirmed by a statement from Todd Ishee, North Carolina’s Secretary of Adult Corrections. It took some time to identify the third.
Ishee stated in a statement that “they loved their work and were passionate about their roles in protecting our communities.”
Alden leaves behind a wife and a single child, while Poloche leaves behind a wife and two children.
Joshua Eyer, a police officer in Charlotte-Mecklenberg, suffered serious injuries and subsequently passed away, according to the authorities. He was a six-year police veteran and leaves behind a wife and a three-year-old child.
The incident also injured four additional law enforcement officers. Their identities remain undisclosed.
“The bravery of our officers that responded to the scene, knowing that they’re going into gunfire is what I’ve been saying for many years, is in the face of danger. our people step up,” Jennings stated.
Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina announced on social media that he had spoken with police over the incident and that the state was willing to provide assistance.
Vi Lyles, the mayor of Charlotte, expressed her emotions and said she had support offers from the White House, Congressmen, and state leaders.
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“Your father, your husband, your friend, your neighbor … and today they’re not going home,” she stated. “You know three people lost their lives today.”
Jennings claimed he could not recall a day like this in his more than thirty years working in the department.
“To me, it’s the most tragic one that I’ve been involved in,” he stated.
President Joe Biden was briefed on the shooting, according to the White House. During their conversation, Biden “expressed his condolences and support for the community.”
A statement earlier said, “The Justice Department is heartbroken by the deaths of three of our own law enforcement colleagues, and we extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones as they grieve this unfathomable loss.” Attorney General Merrick Garland made the statement.
Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas made the following remark in a statement on Monday night: “The tragic events in Charlotte today are a reminder of the dangers facing law enforcement across the country. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of all the federal, state and local officers who lost their lives or were injured.”
A probe is still in progress.