Charlotte, North Carolina – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department revealed during a news conference on Friday evening that the suspect acted alone in the tragic shooting that resulted in the deaths of four officers and injuries to four others on April 29.
Originally, law enforcement believed there were multiple shooters due to being fired at through two second-floor windows, causing initial confusion. However, CMPD Deputy Chief Tonya Arrington clarified that the sole suspect, 39-year-old Terry Hughes, was found with two firearms but only utilized an assault rifle during the 17-minute exchange of gunfire with police and other officers.
Despite the chaotic nature of the incident, Arrington emphasized that no officers were hit by “friendly fire,” dispelling any concern of officers injuring each other accidentally. The investigation into the shooting is still ongoing as CMPD gathers and analyzes extensive video footage and pieces of evidence to fully understand the events that unfolded.
Additionally, the suspect reportedly fired at the police from the second-floor windows of a residence on Galway Drive in Charlotte, a normally quiet neighborhood near Uptown. The aftermath of the shooting left the home damaged, as a SWAT team entered the premises after the gunfire ceased to ensure there were no additional threats.
The tragic events of April 29 unfolded when officers, including members of a U.S. Marshals Service task force, attempted to arrest a wanted individual for firearms possession by a felon. The suspect, Terry Hughes Jr., engaged in a firefight with law enforcement outside the residence, ultimately resulting in his death along with the four officers.
The community has mourned the loss of the officers with four funerals and a memorial service following the deadliest attack on law enforcement in the United States since 2016. The joint task force, comprised of officers from different agencies, had come together to apprehend Hughes, who had a criminal record dating back over a decade, including convictions for various offenses.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty, highlighting the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to preserving public safety. As the investigation continues, authorities work tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting, seeking justice for the fallen officers and their families.