Charlotte, North Carolina – Local officials and community members gathered to honor the four law enforcement officers who lost their lives during a tragic incident involving gunfire while serving a warrant in East Charlotte.
The officers killed were part of a U.S. Marshals Task Force, with three of them belonging to this team. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr., opened fire on the officers with a high-powered rifle when they arrived at the residence to serve several active warrants.
The shootout resulted in the deaths of four officers and left four others injured. Following the incident, the suspect was fatally shot on the house’s lawn, while two individuals inside the residence were later taken in for questioning.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles expressed her gratitude towards the law enforcement officers, medical professionals, and clergy who supported the community following the tragic event. She emphasized the importance of supporting the fallen officers’ families and ensuring that their legacies live on.
The fallen officers were identified as members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Among them were Deputy Thomas M. Weeks Jr., a dedicated husband and father of four, who had served as a U.S. Marshal for 13 years.
In response to the incident, the community has rallied together to provide support and condolences for the officers and their families. Calls for stricter gun control measures have been reignited, with lawmakers advocating for a ban on assault weapons following the tragic event.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation has established a fund to assist local public safety employees and first responder agencies impacted by the shootout. The fund will also provide support to the families of the fallen officers and those affected by the incident.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of the officers, investigations into the suspect’s criminal history and the events leading up to the shooting are ongoing. The tragic incident served as a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty and the need for comprehensive support and protection for those who serve and protect.