Charlotte, North Carolina, experienced a tragic day as three officers lost their lives and five others were injured while working to protect the city. The chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed that members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force were involved in a fatal shootout while serving a warrant in east Charlotte. In addition to the three officers killed, five law enforcement officers, including four from CMPD, and another agent from the task force were wounded during the incident.
The suspect, who was wanted for possession of a firearm by a felon, used a high-powered rifle in the attack. The shooting occurred when the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve a warrant in a neighborhood along Galway Drive. One suspect was found dead at the scene, with police confirming the fatality.
Following the tragic incident, a fundraising page was set up by Back the Blue on GoFundMe to support those affected by the shooting. The home where the shooting took place was eventually cleared, and the area was deemed safe.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed any information about the victims or suspects involved in the shooting. The Atrium Health hospital in Dilworth activated a mass casualty response, calling in all trauma surgeons as the Level 1 trauma center.
The tragic event prompted a swift response from various officials and agencies, including the White House, Governor Roy Cooper, Mayor Vi Lyles, and City Manager Marcus Jones. Governor Cooper offered state resources to support the local agencies, while Mayor Lyles and City Manager Jones visited local hospitals to monitor the situation.
Numerous schools were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure, with modified lockdowns at Devonshire Elementary School, Lawrence Orr Elementary School, and Briarwood Elementary School. The incident also led to road closures, including Interstate 77 at Interstate 277/John Belk Freeway.
As the investigation continues, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are working to gather more information and provide updates to the public. The community remains on alert as authorities work to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.