UPDATE @ 10:19PM EST: CNN has reported that a 4th officer has died as a result of the shooting, which occurred earlier Monday after police were attempting to serve a warrant. A shootout occurred, as did a 3-hour standoff with suspects inside the home.
CHARLOTTE, NC (3-minute read) – In a tragic shootout in east Charlotte, three U.S. Marshal task force officers lost their lives and five other officers sustained injuries—one critically—during a fugitive warrant operation. The violent exchange occurred on Monday afternoon when officers attempted to serve a warrant and were met with gunfire.
🚨#BREAKING: Seven law-enforcement officers have been shot with a fatalities reported during a active shootout⁰
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 29, 2024
📌#Charlotte | #NorthCarolina⁰
Currently, a multitude of law enforcement officers are on the scene in tactical gear, along with emergency personnel, and other… pic.twitter.com/Nlj3tzMvBe
The confrontation began around 1:50 p.m. at a residence on Galway Drive. The target of the warrant, a convicted felon accused of possessing a firearm, fired upon the officers from inside the home. In response, officers returned fire, fatally striking the suspect. However, as they approached the downed individual, further gunfire erupted from within the residence, leading to additional officer casualties. Following a prolonged standoff, two more suspects were detained inside the house and are currently under investigation.
Eight officers were shot today while trying to serve a warrant in Charlotte, North Carolina. Three of the officers, all US marshals, were killed in the shootout. The suspect was also killed. pic.twitter.com/djmjzYXLLY
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) April 29, 2024
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and its SWAT team were instrumental in managing the crisis, declaring the area safe by late afternoon. The violent incident prompted an extensive emergency response, including the temporary lockdown of nearby schools and significant disruptions to local traffic and public transportation.
CMPD Police Chief Johnny Jennings expressed deep sorrow over the day’s events, acknowledging the fallen officers as heroes dedicated to community safety. “Today is an absolutely tragic day for the city of Charlotte and the profession of law enforcement,” he stated.
Firearm Safety Tip: Always ensure that firearms are stored securely and out of reach of unauthorized persons, especially violent felons like these degenerates.
