Charlotte, North Carolina – Police in Charlotte have announced that a lone gunman was responsible for the fatal shootings of four law enforcement officers. The incident occurred a month ago during an attempt to serve a warrant in a residential neighborhood. Law enforcement officials confirmed that there was no friendly fire involved in the tragic event.
The shooting on April 29 resulted in the deaths of four officers and the injury of four others, making it one of the deadliest attacks on law enforcement personnel since 2016. President Joe Biden visited Charlotte to offer his condolences and support to the families of the fallen officers.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr., was fatally shot by police after he opened fire on officers from a U.S. Marshals Task Force. Hughes, who was wanted in an adjacent county, was armed with an assault rifle and a handgun during the standoff.
During the intense 17-minute exchange of gunfire, officers engaged with Hughes as he moved between windows on the second floor of the residence. Despite initial concerns of a potential second shooter, investigators determined that Hughes acted alone in the attack.
Authorities confirmed that no other weapons were found in the house, dispelling any notions of additional shooters. The investigation included thorough analysis of body-worn camera footage, interviews with officers, and collection of physical evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting.
The fallen officers were identified as Sam Poloche and William Elliott of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Joshua Eyer, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks. Police Chief Johnny Jennings expressed profound sadness over the loss of his colleagues, calling it the most tragic event in the department’s history.
As the Charlotte community continues to mourn the loss of the officers, law enforcement officials are focused on honoring their memory and ensuring the safety of the city. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as authorities strive to understand the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life.