Charlotte shooting: Four law enforcement officers killed and four injured while serving warrants

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: Authorities reported that four officers were fatally shot during the execution of a warrant by a US Marshals task force at a residence in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday, April 29. The individual believed to be the shooter was also deceased.

Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department described Tuesday, April 30, as the deadliest day for law enforcement in his 32 years of service on the force.

Suspect found dead on front lawn after smoke cleared

“Today we lost some heroes that were out there simply trying to keep our communities safe,” Jennings said at a press conference shortly after the situation settled.

“To me, it’s the most tragic [day] that I’ve been involved in,” he added, as reported by the New York Post.

Gunfire erupted at 1:30 p.m. on a residential street about 20 minutes west of Charlotte's downtown, amid a wooded area, as police attempted to serve a warrant for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Upon arriving at a residence on Galway Drive, the US Marshals encountered gunfire from inside the house, prompting them to return fire. Police stated that once the gun smoke cleared, the subject of the warrant, the suspect, was discovered deceased on the front lawn.

Shooter used a 'high-powered rifle'

Officers reported encountering additional gunfire from inside the house upon their return. With the assistance of CMPD patrol units and SWAT teams, they managed to clear the house and apprehend two additional suspects. According to CMPD, at least one juvenile was found inside the house during the operation.

The timeline of when the officers were killed in the violent altercation remains unclear. Four CMPD officers and one US Marshal sustained injuries, in addition to the fatalities. The condition of one city police officer remains critical.

The injuries sustained by the officers varied, ranging from grazes to serious gunshot wounds. Although specifics regarding the number and type of firearms used were unclear, Jennings asserted that one of the shooters initiated the gunfire with a "high-powered rifle."

“They lost their lives after they gave us the opportunity to be in safe place,” Mayor Vi Lyles of Charlotte spoke while holding back tears.

“The most I can ask of our community is that we honor and respect them for all the work that they’ve done, for all the work that we’ll do, to make it possible for our city to be safer,” the mayor continued.

Number of officers wounded isn't confirmed yet

Since this is a developing story, there is still some discrepancy about the number of injured or killed. The US Marshall has released a statement saying, "We can't confirm the number of officers wounded or their condition. We refer you to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD, which is conducting the investigation. This matter is active and ongoing. We are withholding the name of the Deputy pending the notification of family members."

Internet reacts

As soon as the US Marshall's statement was released, internet users reacted to it. A user wrote, "In ongoing situations like this, it's important to defer to law enforcement for accurate and up-to-date information. Their investigation will provide clarity on the number of officers wounded and their conditions. Respecting the privacy of the Deputy's family during this difficult time is also essential."

Some others conveyed their condolence, "My sincere condolences this really has to end enough is enough we need our law enforcement to be safe Period."

A third commentator added, "Please accept my family’s sympathy in the loss and injury of these US Marshals, it’s devastating."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.