Four officers were shot and killed Monday while a U.S. Marshals task force executed a warrant at a home in Charlotte, North Carolina, officials said. The person believed to be the gunman was also killed.
At around 1:30 p.m., a sheriff's officer and two local police officers who were assisting the fugitive squad were killed in the shooting. Governor Roy Cooper Two state Department of Adult Corrections employees were killed, the statement said.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Joshua Eyer, who was injured, also died, the city's police chief announced Monday night.
“Just last month, I was in this very room celebrating Officer Eyer being named April's Police Officer of the Month,” said Police Chief Johnny Jennings. “And he certainly gave his life and gave his life to serve our people.”
The director of the state Department of Adult Corrections identified the other two people who died as Samuel Porosz and William “Alden” Elliott. Both men have been with the department for 14 years and served on the Sheriff's Task Force.
A total of eight law enforcement officers were shot.
The deadly violence occurred while the Fugitive Task Force was executing a warrant on a suspect who was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Jennings said the fallen officers were “heroes who were simply trying to keep our community safe.”
As the task force attempted to execute the warrant, the unnamed subject of the warrant began firing with a high-powered rifle, Jennings said. Members of the task force returned fire and killed the suspect in the front yard of the home, police said.
Jennings said a sergeant with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department was part of the task force but was not struck by gunfire. The sergeant called for backup, and four responding Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers were shot, Jennings said.
Police were eventually able to clear the house, Jennings said. Two people inside, one of whom was 17 years old, were detained as persons of interest.
Jennings said authorities believe two people fired at law enforcement.
Speaking at a news conference Monday, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said the community must honor the deputy sheriff who lost his life and the police officer who was injured.
“These are people who cared deeply about what they did for our profession, and today we would like to express to them how much we thank them for what they have done. I have to say if there is,” Lyles said. “Three people lost their lives today, and all I can ask of the community is to honor and honor their accomplishments.”
Governor Cooper called the incident “tragic” and said the state was providing assistance.
he He later expressed his condolences. To the family and colleagues who suffered a “brutal attack.”
President Joe Biden said Monday night of the slain officers: “They were heroes who went into harm's way and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us.”
“We mourn for them and their loved ones, and we pray for the recovery of these brave wounded officers,” the president said in a statement. He also called for more funding from law enforcement and Congress to combat gun violence.
Iyer, a CMPD officer whose death was announced Monday night, is survived by his wife and 3-year-old son, the police chief said.
Mr. Poloche had a wife and two children, and Mr. Elliott and his wife were the parents of one child, state Adult Corrections Commissioner Todd Ishee said in a statement.
correction (April 29, 2024, 6:40 PM ET): A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the number of U.S. Marshals killed. One sheriff was shot and killed, as were two local police officers who were part of the sheriff's task force.
This article originally appeared on NBCNews.com