What We Know About North Carolina Shootout Killing 4 Officers

Four law enforcement officers were killed in a shootout and four others were injured as authorities attempted to serve a warrant to a fugitive at a home in North Carolina, police said.

A U.S. Marshals Task Force, comprised of officers from multiple agencies, was conducting an investigation at a residence in the 5000 block of Galway Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday afternoon when "they were engaged by active gunfire from a subject," according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). In total, eight law enforcement officers were shot and at least one of the suspected shooters was killed. The gunfire prompted a SWAT team response and closed neighborhood streets for hours.

As officers approached the home, a wanted fugitive began shooting, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said during a press conference Monday evening. The fugitive was killed in the front yard when officers returned fire, the chief said.

Another wave of gunfire erupted when a second person started firing from inside the home as officers rushed to help the downed task force members, Jennings said.

The officers on the task force were trying to serve a warrant to a felon wanted in the possession of a firearm when they were shot, Jennings said. Additional information was not released at the time of publication.

"Today we lost some heroes that are out there just simply trying to keep our community safe," he said.

Newsweek reached out via email and social media to CMPD for comment and update.

CMPD sent out an alert on social media just before 2 p.m., asking residents to avoid the area and remain in their homes.

In a series of updates on X, formerly Twitter, the department described a chaotic scene with gunfire continuing for several minutes after officers arrived. In a post at 2:08 p.m., CMPD wrote: "Multiple victims transported to nearby hospitals. Gunfire continues on scene." In an update an hour later, the department said it was still an active scene, with roads blocked and "active gunfire."

Shortly before 5 p.m., CMPD wrote on X: "The residence on Galway Drive is now clear, and the area is safe. Residents no longer need to shelter in place. At least one shooting suspect was located deceased at the residence after clearing the scene. CMPD is questioning two other occupants of the home."

Jennings said that after the "long standoff," officers were able to clear the scene and found two people—a woman and a 17-year-old male—inside the home.

"They were both brought to the police station as persons of interest, and we're trying to determine now what exactly occurred inside of the residence," the chief said.

In an update, the CMPD said one of the officers who was critically wounded in the shooting and "fighting for his life," died from his injuries a few hours later.

CMPD identified him as Officer Joshua Eyer, who had served the department's North Tryon Division for six years.

"We are forever indebted to Officer Eyer for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice," CMPD wrote on X. "His life and service will never be forgotten. Please say a prayer for Officer Eyer's loved ones during this difficult time."

The names of the three other law enforcement officers who were fatally shot were not released at the time of publication. The Marshal's Service confirmed one of its agents was killed. Two officers from the state Department of Adult Correction were also fatally shot, according to the Associated Press.

Update 4/29/24, 10:40 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.