Four law enforcement officers were tragically killed, and four others were wounded in a devastating gunfight that unfolded in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred when a suspect opened fire during a warrant-related operation. Among the fallen officers, Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr., 48, of Mooresville, North Carolina, was identified as one of the officers killed in the line of duty. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer Joshua Eyer, and North Carolina Department of Adult Correction officers Sam Poloche and William “Alden” Elliott also lost their lives in the shootout.
The gunfire erupted as a U.S. Marshals Task Force sought to serve a warrant for firearm possession by a convicted felon. The suspect named in the warrant, 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes, Jr., was killed in the exchange of gunfire. Hughes was also wanted for two counts of felony flee to elude out of Lincoln County, North Carolina, according to Charlotte police. Authorities suspect that two shooters may have been involved in the incident.
During a press briefing, Police Chief Johnny Jennings stated that two persons of interest, a 17-year-old and a woman, were being questioned at the police station. Three officers from the U.S. Marshals Task Force and one officer from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department were among those injured in the shootout.
Former FBI special agent in charge Nicole Parker emphasized the bravery and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, urging Americans to support and respect those who serve. Parker condemned violence against law enforcement officers and called for a restoration of full support and honor for their courageous service.