Police in Charlotte, North Carolina, are investigating a shootout that occurred the previous day, resulting in the deaths of four law enforcement officers who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant at a residence.
The gunfire erupted as officers from the U.S. Marshals Office approached the home to execute a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The suspect was fatally shot during the exchange of gunfire in the front yard, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Authorities are considering the possibility of multiple shooters involved in the incident. Two women present in the house during the standoff are cooperating with the investigation.
Chief Johnny Jennings stated that while they are not ruling out additional shooters, they are reviewing the timeline and body camera footage.
An AR-15 rifle, a 40-caliber handgun, and extra ammunition were recovered from the residence. Three of the deceased officers were part of a U.S. Marshals Task Force, while the fourth was from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Four other officers sustained injuries in the shootout, with one still hospitalized but expected to recover fully. Jennings expressed the difficulty of the situation, particularly for the families affected.
Governor Roy Cooper visited the hospital to meet with one of the wounded officers and the families of those killed.
He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to provide answers and bring justice to those responsible for the officers’ deaths.
In response to the incident, President Joe Biden called for action to address gun violence in the country, urging Congress to implement measures such as banning assault weapons, enforcing universal background checks, and implementing a national red flag law.
