Four law enforcement officers were fatally shot and four others wounded in Charlotte, North Carolina, during a confrontation while serving a fugitive arrest warrant.
The suspect initiated gunfire upon the officers’ arrival, leading to an exchange of gunfire, resulting in his death. Two additional suspects were arrested following a standoff.
President Biden was briefed on the incident and spoke with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed that among the deceased officers, three were part of a U.S. Marshals Task Force, while the fourth was from the local police department.
Joshua Eyer, a six-year veteran of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, was identified as one of the fallen officers.
A statement from the U.S. Justice Department revealed that one of the slain officers was a deputy U.S. marshal.
The tragic incident occurred as officers attempted to serve a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Upon locating the suspect, gunfire erupted, resulting in a fatal exchange.
Following the shootout, a SWAT team cleared the residence and apprehended two individuals, believed to have been involved in the incident.
In response to the shooting, President Biden emphasized the urgent need for legislative action to address gun violence in the country.
He called for stricter measures, including the banning of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, mandatory safe storage of firearms, and the implementation of universal background checks and a national red flag law.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department mourns the loss of their officers and underscores the tragic impact of the incident on law enforcement and the community.
