Thomas M Weeks Jr: Deputy US Marshal who was killed in Charlotte shooting leaves behind proud legacy
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: Deputy US Marshal Thomas M Weeks Jr, 48, was among the four officers who were killed on Monday, April 29, 2024, in the shooting in Charlotte, North Carolina, after they attempted to serve an arrest warrant to a fugitive.
The incident occurred in the city's North Tryon Division, where Weeks, alongside fellow officers Samuel Poloche, William "Alden" Elliott, and Joshua Eyer, bravely confronted gunfire while executing their duty, resulting in their untimely deaths. Several other officers sustained injuries during the altercation.
Eyer served as an officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, while the remaining three officers were part of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, with Weeks holding the position of Deputy US Marshal.
Who was Thomas M. Weeks Jr?
Thomas M Weeks, a dedicated 13-year veteran of the US Marshals Service (USMS), served in the Western District of North Carolina for the past decade. He was an integral part of the team executing a warrant for the arrest of Terry Clark Hughes Jr, 39, wanted for possession of a firearm by a felon in Lincoln County and another for felony flee to elude.
Born in Mooresville, North Carolina, Weeks leaves behind a grieving wife and four children, and a heart-wrenching loss felt deeply by his family, friends, and colleagues.
Terry who was accused of shooting the officers, was also killed at the scene. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has taken charge of the investigation into this tragic incident.
At a news conference following the tragedy, Ronald Davis, director of the US Marshals Service, paid tribute to Weeks and his fallen comrades, acknowledging their bravery and sacrifice. “They are truly America’s finest,” Davis said, before adding, “Losing a deputy is like losing a family member," reported The Charlotte Observer.
Thomas M. Weeks Jr's professional background
According to an official statement from the Marshals Service, Weeks had served as a veteran for 13 years. Since 2014, he had been stationed in Charlotte. He commenced his service in 2011 at the Washington, DC superior court.
Before this role, officials noted that Weeks had accumulated eight years of experience with the Federal Customs and Border Protection agency.
Further, Weeks, known for his dedication and willingness to serve, had built a commendable reputation within the Western District of North Carolina court system. Davis said that the courts in the district were briefly closed on Tuesday as a mark of respect for Weeks.
Terry J Burgin, head of the Marshals Service for the Western District of North Carolina, affectionately referred to the fallen officer as "Tommy" or "TW," highlighting the close-knit bond shared among colleagues.
Chief Judge Robert Conrad of the Western District of North Carolina praised Weeks, stating, "No matter what task you gave him, he did it with a smile."
Davis conveyed this sentiment during the news conference, adding that he was regarded as a quintessential "deputy's deputy."
Remembering Thomas M Weeks Jr
Outside of his professional life, Weeks was a cherished member of the Burn Boot Camp community in Mooresville, where he was remembered for his positive impact and warm presence.
The US Marshals Service, responsible for a range of law enforcement functions including security at federal courthouses and fugitive recovery, mourns the loss of one of its own. With over 3,800 Deputy US Marshals across the nation, Weeks' legacy of service and sacrifice will continue to be honored and remembered.
Moreover, three other officers, identified as Chris Tolley, Mike Giglio, and Jack Blowers, sustained gunshot wounds but are currently in stable condition. Additionally, another officer, Justin Campbell, received treatment for a broken foot.
President Joe Biden paid tribute to the fallen officers, hailing them as "heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, rushing into harm's way to protect us."
"When a law enforcement officer puts on that shield in the morning and heads out the door, their family members dread the phone call -- the very call that came today," Biden stated. "It's like losing a piece of your soul," the President added.
