Three police officers were tragically gunned down when the U.S. Marshals Task Force showed up at the home of a career criminal to serve a warrant in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Three members of the U.S. Marshals task unit were shot and killed on Monday afternoon.
According to a press conference from Charlotte-Mechlenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings, a total of eight law enforcement officers were shot during the incident, which occurred during a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force investigation. One of the injured officers is reportedly “fighting for his life” in severe condition at the local hospital.
Multiple officers showed up to a home in the 500 block of Galway Drive in the Shannon Park neighborhood to aid in serving a warrant, but were met with gunfire from the suspect’s home. The warrant was reportedly being served on a felon for several crimes, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The suspect immediately opened fire with a “high-powered rifle,” killing three officers. Law enforcement returned fire and ultimately killed the suspect in the home’s front yard.
“As officers approached, they received additional gunfire from inside the residence,” Jennings explained.
The police chief noted that authorities are still in the process of investigating the incident, which includes questioning two “people of interest.”
“We are very early in the investigation,” Jennings added. “CMPD will be in charge of this investigation; there are still many unanswered questions and many things we need to learn.”
The area around the incident had previously been under a shelter-in-place order, but the area is now clear.
“The residence on Galway Drive is now clear, and the area is safe. Residents no longer need to shelter in place,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police explained in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday afternoon.
The residence on Galway Drive is now clear, and the area is safe. Residents no longer need to shelter in place.
At least one shooting suspect was located deceased at the residence after clearing the scene.
CMPD is questioning two other occupants of the home.
CMPD and other…
— CMPD News (@CMPD) April 29, 2024
During the incident and in the aftermath of the shootings, numerous armored vehicles were seen in the area. According to the pilot of a police helicopter, the scene was “too disturbing” to display to the public.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) described the incident as “tragic” in a post on X, adding that he had offered assistance to the local community.
“I am in contact with law enforcement concerning the tragic shooting in the Charlotte area, and we have offered state resources to help,” Cooper wrote on X.
Meanwhile, disgraced author Stephen King is under fire on social media for his response to the incident — as King made a post joking about the incident being the result of Americans being allowed their Second Amendment rights.
