Three killed in North Carolina, where eight law enforcement officers were shot

Three members of a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force were fatally shot during a three-and-a-half hour standoff Monday while trying to serve a warrant in Charlotte Shootout 04292024, North Carolina.

Five other law enforcement officers were wounded, one of whom is in critical condition “fighting for his life” and the person they were pursuing was killed.

Charlotte residents described the shooting scene where the officers were killed by saying it ‘sounded like Vietnam out there.’

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said it was the worst shooting of law enforcement officers in his memory over more than 30 years with the department.

“Today, we lost some heroes,” said Jennings.

“This is a good example people of what we try to tell people every single day, that when we put on this uniform, we don’t have any guarantees that we’ll return home but yet we have a lot of great men and women across this entire country that do it every single day to make sure that you’re safe in your communities,” said Jennings.

“Anytime a member of law enforcement is killed or injured in the line of duty, the whole profession hurts,” said Jennings. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers as well as the other officers who were shot, including 4 of our own CMPD Officers.”

“The bravery of these officers and all other officers who responded to the scene is unmatched. In the face of danger our people stepped up, committed to their oath to protect and serve,” said Jennings. “The days, months and years that follow this senseless tragedy will undoubtedly be difficult. But I couldn’t be more proud of how our local, state and federal first responder agencies came together today and I’m confident that’s what will carry us through.”

The task force members were attempting to serve a warrant for possession of a firearm by a felon when they were met with gunfire at a Charlotte residence, police said.

The Marshals Service confirmed Monday that one of the task force members who was killed was a deputy U.S. marshal. Another task force member and four Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers were struck by gunfire, and one of the police officers is in critical condition, officials said.

The law enforcement officers and the other individuals involved in the standoff were not identified Monday.

Two of the victims were members of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction while the other victim was a U.S. Marshal. Among the wounded, one CMPD officer remained in critical condition on Monday night.

Around 1:30 p.m. Monday, members of the task force went toward a Charlotte residence to serve the warrant, Jennings said. They were met with gunfire from the person they were trying to serve with the warrant. The task force members returned the gunfire, and the individual died on the scene, the front yard of the residence, according to Jennings.

As the task force members approached that individual, they were met with more gunfire from inside the home, which led to a “long standoff” between law enforcement and the people inside the residence, Jennings said.

The wanted suspect has not been named. He was served an arrest warrant for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. He died in the front yard of a home on the 5000 block of Galway Drive in east Charlotte after being shot by officers.

Two other people who were inside the home were taken into custody by CMPD as persons of interest. There was additional gunfire from inside of the residence. One individual was identified as a 17-year-old and another as a woman.

The investigation is ongoing but police described the weapon used by the suspect as a “high-powered rifle.”

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) called it a “tragic shooting,” adding in a Monday post on X that he had “offered state resources” to assist in the investigation.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles (D) wrote on X that she was “deeply saddened” by the incident.

“I ask that all Charlotteans keep them, the other injured officers, and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Lyles said.

Composed of numerous member agencies, the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force is headquartered in Charlotte. Since it started operations in 2018, the task force said it has apprehended more than 8,900 fugitives.