The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said three deputy sheriffs were killed and five officers were wounded during a shooting Monday afternoon, March 29, east of Charlotte, as authorities attempted to serve a court order.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said eight officers were shot by a person inside a home in the 5000 block of Galway Drive on Monday around 5:00 p.m. local time.
“Today we lost some heroes”
“Today is an absolutely tragic day for the city of Charlotte and for the policing profession. Today we lost some heroes who are simply trying to keep our community safe,” Police Chief Jennings told WRAL News.
Three members of the United States Marshals Service were killed during the shooting and five police officers were hit by bullets, all of whom were taken to hospitals. One of the agents is in critical condition.
A person started shooting at the officers
The events occurred when the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, which is made up of officers from multiple agencies, were attempting to serve a warrant in the 5000 block of Galway Drive, east of Charlotte.
I am in contact with law enforcement concerning the tragic shooting in the Charlotte area, and we have offered state resources to help. –RC
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) April 29, 2024
The location was described by officers as a residential area, near Julian Underwood Park. When the agents approached the home, a person began shooting at them from a house.
The same news station said that the suspect was killed by the police. The identity of the person was not revealed at this time by authorities. Streets near the area of the shooting were closed and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department asked residents not to leave their homes.
“A tactical team of the US Marshals were attacked by suspects with long firearms,” the police said in a message on social networks. “The CMPD SWAT team responded to the scene of the shooting.”
Schools near where the shooting happened
Roads were closed to allow emergency services to pass through. WCNC shared that four schools are located near the area where the shooting occurred, so school officials closed the campuses for the safety of the students, since the shooting occurred at the same time that the children were leaving classes.
“We ask residents of that area to stay home until further notice. Please avoid that area,” authorities wrote at the time of the incident.
Governor and lieutenant governor send condolences
The governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, wrote a message on his X account to warn that he was aware of the shooting in which officers had lost their lives.
“I am in contact with authorities regarding the tragic shooting in the Charlotte area and we have offered state resources to assist.”
Our hearts ache for the brave law enforcement officers shot in the line of duty today in east Charlotte, including the tragic loss of a Deputy US Marshal. Our thoughts are with them, their families, and the entire community during this difficult time. We also extend our sincere…
— Mark Robinson (@markrobinsonNC) April 29, 2024
The state’s lieutenant governor, Mark Robinson, sent a message offering his condolences for the loss of the agents who were carrying out their duty when they were attacked.
“Our hearts ache for the brave law enforcement officers who were shot today in the line of duty in east Charlotte, including the tragic loss of a Deputy US Marshal,” he wrote.
He also added on his X account: “Our thoughts are with them, their families and the entire community during this difficult time. We also extend our deepest condolences to all those who were injured in this violent attack. “Our office will continue to monitor this current situation as it develops.”
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Public Affairs office will hold a press conference to provide more information about the shooting, confirm the death of one of the suspects and if there are any arrests.
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