Three law enforcement officers from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force were fatally shot while executing a search warrant in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition to the tragic loss of life, five other law enforcement officials were also shot during the incident, as confirmed by Charlotte-Mecklenberg Police Chief Johnny Jennings during a press briefing on Monday.
The U.S. Marshals task force was in the process of serving a warrant during the shooting incident, when they unexpectedly encountered gunfire from the suspect. According to police, the officers were engaging with active gunfire from the subject, who used a high-powered rifle to fatally shoot the officers.
According to the police, they had suspected an individual of being in possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
Authorities have not yet identified the suspect, who was killed during the standoff.
Three officers, including one deputy marshal, who were serving with the U.S. Marshals task force, tragically lost their lives.
During a press conference on Monday evening, Chief Johnny Jennings provided an update on the injured officers. He revealed that one of the officers is a member of the task force, while the other four are part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Unfortunately, one of the officers is currently in critical condition.
Around 5 p.m., authorities announced that they had found the body of at least one shooting suspect at the residence after completing their investigation. This update came about three hours after the initial report of the shooting.
Police are currently questioning two additional individuals who resided in the residence, as they are considered persons of interest. It is worth noting that one of these individuals is a minor.
Jennings emphasized the incredible bravery of the officers who fearlessly responded to the scene, fully aware that they were entering a dangerous situation with gunfire. He has consistently praised the courage and dedication of these individuals who fearlessly step up in the face of danger.
The police had initially characterized the incident as an “active situation” and had dispatched a SWAT team to the scene. Once the house was thoroughly searched and deemed safe, the shelter-in-place order was lifted, according to the police.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper expressed his concern about the shooting incident and stated that he has been in contact with the police. He further added that he has offered state resources to assist in the investigation.
Mayor Vi Lyles of Charlotte expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from the White House, members of Congress, and state officials. She was deeply moved by their outreach during this challenging time.
She expressed her concern, emphasizing the impact of the situation on various individuals in the community. “Imagine, it could be your father, your husband, your friend, your neighbor… and now they won’t be returning home,” she remarked. “Three lives were tragically lost today.”
Jennings expressed that throughout his extensive career in the department, he couldn’t recall a day quite like this.
He expressed that it was the most tragic situation he had ever been involved in.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting, according to the White House. The President reached out to the governor to offer his condolences and support to the community affected by this tragic incident. Additionally, senior White House officials are actively communicating with federal, state, and local authorities. The White House made these statements in a press release.
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