Three US Marshals were killed during a fierce shootout with suspects in Charlotte, North Carolina, that left a further eight law enforcement officers wounded.
The incident erupted after members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) attempted to serve a warrant on an individual for possession of firearm by a convicted felon at a residence near Galway Drive. When the officers approached the individual they were met with gunfire, police chief Johnny Jennings said.
Officers had returned gunfire and struck the victim, who was later pronounced deceased in the front yard of the residents. As they approached the individual they were met with additional gunfire from inside of the residence, which the officers returned.
“Tragically, there were three members of the US Marshals Task Force, who were pronounced deceased,” chief Jennings told a press conference on Monday.
He added that four CMPD officers were shot during the incident, one of which was in “critical condition”. Four more task force officers were also shot.
Chief Jennings said two other individuals had been found inside the residence, a female and a 17-year-old juvenile, who were taken into custody and were considered “persons of interest”.
“Today’s an absolutely tragic day for the city of Charlotte and for the profession of law enforcement. Today we lost some heroes that are out to just simply trying to keep our community safe,” he said.
“This is a good example of what we try to tell people every single day, that when we put on this uniform, that we don’t have any guarantees that will return home… Yet we have a lot of great men and women across this entire country that do it every single day to make sure that you’re safe and your communities.”
At around 5pm local time, following the shootout in a residential area, police announced that “at least one” shooting suspect was deceased and that the area was safe.
“The residence on Galway Drive is now clear, and the area is safe. Residents no longer need to shelter in place,” the force wrote. “At least one shooting suspect was located deceased at the residence after clearing the scene.
“CMPD is questioning two other occupants of the home. CMPD and other law enforcement agencies will be at the scene to conduct the investigation. Some roadways in the neighborhood will remain closed. Please remain patient and cooperate with officers.”
“We know some answers, but we still have many that we have to clear up and in many that we have to continue to work on until we can really lock down,” chief Jennings told reporters.
At Monday’s press conference, Charlotte mayor Vi Lyles, became emotional as she addressed reporters.
“We’ve lost three people. They lost their lives after they gave us the opportunity to be in a safe place, and they lost their lives,” she said.
“These are people that care deeply about what they’ve done for our profession. And now today we have to say to them, how much we are grateful for what they have done.”
Neighbours caught up in the incident previously described the situation at “gunfire galore”. Tyler Wilson told WBTV officers had streamed into his home, including one who appeared to use his window to operate a sniper rifle.
At one point, Mr Wilson told the outlet, an injured officer had been dragged through his home by his shoulders, though he was able to see the extent of the officer’s injuries.
He described the scene as “gunfire galore,” with officers army-crawling through his backyard, hiding behind trees, and jumping around bushes.
Officers ordered Mr Wilson and two others in the home to hide in a back room as the gunfire was ongoing.
Following news of the unfolding incident, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper posted on X that he is in contact with law enforcement “concerning the tragic shooting” has offered state resources to help.
North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis also weighed in, “An attack in Charlotte on our brave law enforcement officers who swore an oath to protect and serve us all. Susan and I are praying for everyone’s safety.”
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
