Four officers were killed in a shooting while attempting to serve a warrant at a home in Charlotte, North Carolina, including one deputy US Marshal and two local task force officers, authorities say.
A total of eight law enforcement officers were shot during the incident, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings. He described the shooting as "the most tragic one" in his 32-year-long law enforcement career.
The shooting occurred on the 5000 block of Galway Drive as members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Jennings said.
The officers were met with gunfire from a "high-powered rifle" and returned fire, ultimately killing a suspect in the front yard of the house. The US Marshals were serving the warrant to this suspect, according to Jennings.
"As officers approached, they received additional gunfire from inside the residence," the police chief said.
Three members of the US Marshals task force were killed, including one deputy US Marshal. Four Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers were also shot, with one in critical condition, "fighting for his life" in the hospital. The other officers are in stable condition, Jennings said.
On Monday night, police confirmed that one of the wounded officers, Joshua Eyer, had died from his injuries. "Officer Joshua Eyer was one of the CMPD officers shot in the line of duty this afternoon," Jennings announced on X. "He fought for several hours and passed away from his injuries with his wife and family by his side tonight. Officer Eyer was a 6-year veteran with the CMPD, and I am truly grateful for his bravery, service, and ultimate sacrifice. He will never be forgotten, and we are forever indebted."
Eyer is survived by his wife and 3-year-old son. Jennings shared that it was only last month that he was in the same room, congratulating Officer Eyer for becoming officer of the month. "He certainly dedicated his life and gave his life to serve our citizens," the police chief said.
On Monday night, police confirmed that one of the injured officers, Joshua Eyer, had died. "Officer Joshua Eyer was one of the CMPD officers shot in the line of duty this afternoon," said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings in a post on X. "He fought for several hours and passed away from his injuries with his wife and family by his side tonight. Officer Eyer was a 6-year veteran with the CMPD, and I am truly grateful for his bravery, service, and ultimate sacrifice. He will never be forgotten, and we are forever indebted."
Eyer is survived by his wife and 3-year-old son. At a brief news conference Monday evening, Jennings remarked, "It was just last month I was in this very room, congratulating Officer Eyer for becoming officer of the month. He certainly dedicated his life and gave his life to serve our citizens."
Authorities have not released the names of the other officers, as they work to notify their families. Two "people of interest" are being questioned by police. According to Jennings, a 17-year-old and a woman exited the residence when authorities cleared it, but he could not confirm whether they were suspects.
"We are very early in the investigation," Jennings said. "CMPD will lead this investigation; we still have a lot to uncover and a lot of questions that are not yet answered."
Jennings mentioned that he could not recall a worse incident in the Charlotte area, stating, "I can't remember an incident where three law enforcement officers were killed in the same incident, along with one in critical condition and additional officers shot and injured."
Authorities cleared the scene Monday afternoon, informing residents they no longer needed to shelter in place. Earlier, the department had posted on X, "Numerous law enforcement officers struck by gunfire in active situation."
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper was in Charlotte and continued to receive briefings on the situation, his office reported. He was expected to speak with the families of the victims and local officials later Monday.
President Joe Biden spoke with the governor after the shooting, according to a White House statement. Senior administration officials are also in contact with local officials.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles expressed her condolences in a statement, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the shooting that involved Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers and US Marshals today. I ask that all Charlotteans keep them, the other injured officers, and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."
In a post on X, the US Marshals Service wrote, "Our hearts are heavy tonight for the lives shattered by today's horrific shooting in Charlotte, NC. We mourn the loss of our Deputy and two Task Force Officers. We are grateful for all the support, and we keep the families and colleagues of all officers involved in our thoughts."
