Local officials and community members gathered on Tuesday night to pay tribute to the four law enforcement officers who lost their lives during a tragic incident in North Carolina. The officers were fatally shot when gunfire broke out at a house where a warrant was being served.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles took to the pulpit of Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church to address a somber gathering of approximately 50 individuals. The prayer vigil was held in the wake of a tragic incident that unfolded in east Charlotte. Four law enforcement officers, three of whom were part of a U.S. Marshals Task Force, lost their lives in a shootout, while four other officers sustained injuries. The suspect responsible for firing at the officers was fatally shot on the house’s lawn, while two individuals inside the residence were subsequently taken in for questioning.
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- 1 Suspect in deadly Charlotte shooting named
- 2 8 officers shot, 4 killed
- 3 Memorials for fallen officers growing
- 4 Lawmakers reignite calls for assault weapons ban in aftermath
- 5 Charlotte community receives support locally, nationally
- 6 Fund established for local agencies impacted by shootout
- 7 Neighbors recall shootout, massive police response
- 8 Suspect had long criminal history, records show
- 9 Dozens of officers shot in line of duty
- 10 Biden: ‘They are heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice’
During Tuesday’s vigil, Lyles expressed that he had no regrets about shedding tears. He firmly believes that being an authentic leader in the community means embracing vulnerability when it is essential and called for.
Lyles expressed gratitude towards the law enforcement officers who remained outside the hospital following the shooting. He also acknowledged the efforts of the medical professionals who provided assistance to the injured individuals. Furthermore, he recognized the support and guidance offered by the clergy to the affected families, helping them navigate the overwhelming mix of emotions and disbelief during such a challenging time.
The mayor expressed that the most challenging moment he faced was the unfortunate loss of Officer Joshua Eyer from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. He emphasized the devastating impact it had, particularly highlighting that Officer Eyer was married and had a young son who was only three years old.
Lyles issued a challenge to the community, urging them to ensure that her 3-year-old son grows up with a deep understanding of his father. She emphasized that her late husband, a law enforcement officer, was not only a hero but also someone worthy of admiration and respect.
Suspect in deadly Charlotte shooting named
Officers from the U.S. Marshals Task Force arrived at a suburban Charlotte home at around 1:30 p.m. on Monday. Their mission was to serve several active warrants against 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr. The warrants were for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of fleeing to elude. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department provided this information.
According to the police, Hughes used a “high-powered rifle” to shoot at the task force officers as they approached. He successfully hit several officers, prompting them to call for backup. As more law enforcement arrived at the scene, Hughes continued to fire, injuring more officers. Eventually, the authorities had to open fire on Hughes, resulting in his death on the front lawn. The department stated that a total of 12 Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers discharged their weapons during the incident. Currently, all of them are on paid administrative leave, as mentioned in the department’s recent statement.
After engaging in negotiations with individuals inside the residence, law enforcement proceeded to launch a tactical operation using armored vehicles. During the operation, authorities discovered a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle, a .40-caliber handgun, as well as extra magazines and ammunition for the firearms.
In a statement, the police department reported that two women were brought in for questioning after leaving the house. Earlier, Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department had mentioned that a 17-year-old and a woman were being questioned. The police department has confirmed that they are not searching for any additional suspects or persons of interest in the case.
8 officers shot, 4 killed
Eight officers, consisting of four members from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and four from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. Among the officers who tragically lost their lives, three belonged to the task force while the remaining officer was a member of the police department.
Two members of the task force who were tragically killed, Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott, had been dedicated employees of the state’s Department of Adult Correction for an impressive 14-year period, as stated by the department. Poloche, who is survived by his wife and two children, and Elliot, who was married and had one child, were both pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
“These officers were deeply dedicated to their work and had a true passion for their roles in safeguarding our communities,” the statement emphasized. It further acknowledged, “In the line of duty, these brave individuals demonstrated exceptional heroism and made the ultimate sacrifice in their unwavering commitment to serving our state.”
U.S. Marshals Deputy Thomas M. Weeks Jr., 48, of Mooresville, North Carolina, lost his life in the shooting, according to a statement released by the agency. Weeks, a devoted husband and father of four children, had served as a dedicated member of the Marshals Service for 13 years.
After spending several hours in the hospital, Officer Eyer, who had served in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for six years, tragically succumbed to his injuries.
“He fought for several hours and tragically succumbed to his injuries in the presence of his wife and family tonight,” Jennings wrote on X. “I am deeply thankful for his courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice. We will always remember him, and we will forever be indebted to him.”
Memorials for fallen officers growing
Flowers have been placed outside the Federal Courthouse in Charlotte and CMPD’s headquarters as a tribute to the slain law enforcement officers, as seen in the photos from the scenes. The front yard of the partially destroyed home was occupied by the Rev. Raymond Johnson, associate pastor of the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Marion, South Carolina, who was deeply moved by his faith and drove to Charlotte.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Amazon delivery trucks navigating through the crowded road, Johnson stood tall, holding signs that conveyed messages of hope and unity. With unwavering determination, he stood as a representative of his congregation, praying for the peace and wellbeing of those residing in the vicinity.
“After placing flowers on the lawn, he expressed, ‘Sometimes, when you serve Jesus, you have to go on foot patrol.'”
Lawmakers reignite calls for assault weapons ban in aftermath
Several Charlotte City Council members, Mecklenburg County Commission members, and Rep. Alma S. Adams were present in the crowd during Tuesday’s vigil at Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church.
Representing the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina, Adams took the stage and acknowledged the preceding moment of silence led by Rep. Jeff Jackson on the House floor, just 30 minutes prior.
“Yesterday, we witnessed an extraordinary display of courage, conviction, and selflessness from four officers. These individuals, who were not only law enforcement professionals but also fathers, brothers, and sons, made the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard their community and loved ones,” stated Adams passionately from the pulpit.
Congresswoman strongly believes that assault weapons, which she refers to as “weapons of war,” have no place on our streets. She made this statement in response to the recent incident where a suspect used a high-powered rifle during a lengthy standoff on Monday.
During her speech at the vigil, Adams urged Congress leaders and her colleagues to transform their anguish into action, emphasizing the importance of not forgetting the tragic events that occurred in Charlotte.
“I urge them to join me in taking action. It is crucial that we prohibit assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, as well as implement mandatory safe storage measures for firearms. Additionally, we must prioritize the enactment of universal background checks and a National Red Flag Law.”
Charlotte community receives support locally, nationally
Condolences flooded in from small communities to the White House for the officers involved in one of the deadliest recent attacks on law enforcement. Lyles recalled feeling “shocked” when President Joe Biden personally reached out to her shortly after midnight as she was getting into her car to go home after the shooting.
During Tuesday’s vigil, Lyles expressed her immense gratitude upon hearing his commitment to making a difference. She recalled his words, “Whatever he could do, whatever he could provide,” which filled her with hope and appreciation.
Lyles mentioned that Vice President Kamala Harris reached out to him on Tuesday afternoon, expressing her unwavering support for law enforcement and, in particular, for those who tragically lost their lives.
Fund established for local agencies impacted by shootout
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation has taken swift action in light of Monday’s attack by establishing the Help Our Heroes fund. This fund aims to provide essential mental health care services to the dedicated public safety employees and first responder agencies in our local community. Additionally, the fund will extend its support to impact agencies and their hardworking employees.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced on Tuesday that contributions can also be made to support the families of the four officers who were tragically killed. The department stated on its official X account, formerly known as Twitter, that the donations will be directed to the families or as specified by the donors.
According to Bradford Muller, a spokesperson for the foundation, the fund has raised over $13,000 as of Tuesday afternoon, as reported by USA TODAY.
According to Muller, local business and civic leaders established the foundation in 2004 with the goal of supporting the police department and promoting public safety in Charlotte.
Neighbors recall shootout, massive police response
Saing Chhoeun, aged 54, had barely stepped out of his house when a group of officers from a U.S. Marshals task force swiftly arrived on the scene. Taking cover behind a powder-blue Honda sedan, they prepared for action.
Chhoeun immediately took out his iPhone and started live streaming on Facebook as the sound of gunshots echoed through the yard of the neighboring two-story house.
Chhoeun witnessed the sequence of events unfold before his eyes. He saw one officer and then another being struck by gunfire from behind the sturdy brick home. The urgent pleas for help echoed in his ears, filling the air with a sense of desperation. In the midst of chaos, two women and another man sprinted out of the house, seeking safety. Determined to reach the injured officers, the authorities swiftly maneuvered an armored vehicle through Chhoeun’s backyard, smashing through any obstacles in their path.
Looking at the twisted fencing and deep ruts left by the vehicle, he said, “They do what they need to do to apprehend the officer who was shot. I’ve watched plenty of movies, so I knew what was coming.” Officers later utilized the damaged front of the house to send in a drone for further investigation.
While Rissa Reign, 27, was cleaning her house with her girlfriend, they left the door open to allow dust and negative energy to escape. Suddenly, they heard the sound of gunfire.
Reign, a children’s group counselor, recalled her experience on the east side of Charlotte. Initially, she brushed off the sounds she heard, thinking it might be something insignificant. However, as she continued to hear the gunshots, her concern grew. With each subsequent round, Reign became increasingly aware that something serious was happening. The blaring sound of approaching sirens only heightened the tension in the air.
Reign and her girlfriend maintained a safe distance from the house where the shooting took place. They anxiously observed, hoping that none of their neighbors had been harmed by a stray bullet.
In front of the damaged house on Tuesday afternoon, she stood in awe of the destruction. Her thoughts drifted to the possibility of the gunman lurking in the upstairs, strategically firing at the police officers from various vantage points.
Suspect had long criminal history, records show
Hughes has a history of run-ins with the law, with multiple felony convictions on his record. These include charges for breaking and entering, fleeing from the police, and possessing a firearm, according to state records. Additionally, he has faced numerous drug-related charges.
According to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, he was sentenced to six months in prison in 2010. This was a result of his conviction on a felony breaking and entering charge, which was related to an incident that took place the previous year.
In June 2012, he faced arrest for charges of eluding arrest while speeding. According to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, Hughes was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and fleeing the scene in October 2012. As a result, he served a prison sentence of 11 months.
In May 2021, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office website reported that he faced multiple charges, such as possession of marijuana paraphernalia, manufacturing marijuana, and eluding arrest in a motor vehicle. Records indicate that he was released on bond after his arrest.
The Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office dismissed the marijuana charges against Hughes. However, after bonding out on the eluding arrest charge, Hughes missed his court appearance, resulting in a warrant for his arrest in December 2022 and a temporary halt in court proceedings.
The Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office has not yet responded to a request for comment. In a statement, they expressed their commitment to collaborating with law enforcement in order to gain a full understanding of the tragic events that have taken place.
The statement expressed condolences for the fallen law enforcement officers and their families. It emphasized the importance of waiting for the investigation to conclude before making further comments.
Dozens of officers shot in line of duty
According to a March update from The National Fraternal Order of Police, a total of 100 officers were shot in the first three months of 2024, with 10 of them losing their lives.
According to a spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service, six deputies have lost their lives in the line of duty since 2011, excluding the recent incident. In 2023, firearms surpassed COVID-19 as the primary cause of death for police officers. However, the number of officers fatally shot has decreased significantly compared to the levels witnessed half a century ago, as stated in a preliminary report released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in January.
According to Bill Alexander, the CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the decrease in officer deaths is a positive development. However, he expressed his concern about the rise in nonfatal shootings.
In an interview, he expressed his suspicion that 2023 could be an unusual year in terms of the overall fatalities caused by gun violence, especially considering the significant number of individuals who were shot but managed to survive. However, he acknowledged that the current figures are alarming, and he is concerned that 2024 may witness an even higher number of casualties compared to 2023.
Biden: ‘They are heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice’
President Joe Biden released a heartfelt statement on Monday, expressing his admiration for the officers involved in the incident and referring to them as “heroes.” He further conveyed his and first lady Jill Biden’s commitment to keeping the families and the recovering officers in their thoughts and prayers. Additionally, the president reached out to Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles to offer his condolences and extend his support to the community during this difficult time.
“They are our heroes, those who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect us,” stated the president. “We grieve for their loss and stand in solidarity with their families. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the brave officers who were injured and we wish them a speedy recovery.”
Biden emphasized the importance of further measures to support law enforcement, stating that it is crucial to provide adequate funding to ensure they have the necessary resources to carry out their duties and ensure public safety. Additionally, he stressed the need for additional actions to address the ongoing issue of gun violence.
