Charlotte, North Carolina – Police officials provided updates in a press conference on Tuesday regarding the tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of four law enforcement officers and injuries to four others. The officers were shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant in east Charlotte the previous day.
Among those killed were Samuel Poloche and William Elliott from the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Joshua Eyer from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and Thomas Weeks, a deputy U.S. Marshal. On the other hand, Officer Christopher Tolley remains hospitalized in stable condition, while officers Michael Giglio, Jack Blowers, and Justin Campbell have been released following the shooting.
During the incident, officers encountered gunfire at the residence where they were serving a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Investigators recovered two firearms – an AR-15 rifle and a handgun – and ammunition from the scene. The suspect, Terry Clark Hughes Jr., who was killed in the shootout, allegedly engaged with officers in exchanging gunfire.
A total of 12 CMPD officers discharged their weapons during the shootout and have been placed on standard administrative leave pending the ongoing investigation. Two other individuals present in the home during the incident are cooperating with authorities and are not considered suspects at this time.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper commended the bravery of the responding officers, acknowledging the dangers they face in serving their communities. President Joe Biden also responded to the tragedy, recognizing the officers’ sacrifices and calling for greater support and resources for law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are looking into the source of the guns used in the shooting, exploring potential federal charges against the purchaser. The incident in Charlotte marks one of the 132 mass shootings reported in 2024, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States.
The officers involved were part of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, composed of agencies serving warrants on the day of the shooting. This tragic event has reignited discussions on the need for increased protection and resources for law enforcement in the face of escalating gun violence incidents.