Charlotte Police officer Joshua Eyer dies alongside 3 US Marshals in horror standoff shooting that saw 8 gunned down
A POLICE officer has been named as the fourth victim to die in a terrifying stand-off that saw eight law enforcement officers gunned down and a suspect shot dead on Monday.
Three US Marshals were killed during the shoot-out that unfolded around 1:30 pm on Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Joshua Eyer was left fighting for his life after the shooting.
He was rushed to the hospital and died from his injuries Monday night.
"Officer Eyer faithfully served the CMPD’s North Tryon Division for six years and was a member of the 178th Recruit Class. We are forever indebted to Officer Eyer for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice," the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department wrote on their Facebook.
"His life and service will never be forgotten. Please say a prayer for Officer Eyer’s loved ones during this difficult time."
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Four other officers were shot and are in stable condition and expected to recover.
CMPD is not yet releasing the agency of the dead officer who was part of the US Marshals Task Force.
"Today is an absolutely tragic day for the city of Charlotte. Today we lost some heroes that are out trying to keep our community safe," said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings.
HORRIFIC ATTACK
The shooting began while the task force, made up of officers from various agencies, was at the scene, according to police.
Members of the task force attempted to serve a warrant to an individual for possession of a fire arm, but they were met with gunfire at a suburban home.
The wanted suspect was using a "high-powered rifle" during the shooting, according to ABC affiliate WSOC.
Officers returned the gunfire and struck the suspect who was found dead in the front yard, according to the Associated Press.
They then received additional gunfire from inside a home.
Two additional people inside the home were brought to the police station as persons of interest after a three-hour standoff.
I ask that all Charlotteans keep them, the other injured officers, and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time
Vi Lyles
Cops said a 17-year-old boy and a woman were currently being questioned, according to WSOC.
At least 100 police vehicles reportedly scrambled to the scene after the shooting broke out.
A SWAT hurried to the scene as gunfire continued, according to police.
Multiple armored vehicles were on nearby lawns and in the streets of the Charlotte neighborhood.
It also appeared that police busted one of the home's doors down as it can be seen laying on its side, off its hinges.
Charlotte police urged residents to stay away from the area and advised those in the neighborhood to stay in their homes.
Nearby roads including parts of Interstate 77 and 277 remain closed to allow for ambulances to get through, according to police.
A parent of a student at the nearby Cochrane Collegiate Academy claimed that the school was put into a modified lockdown following news of the shooting.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools later confirmed that Devonshire Elementary, Lawrence Orr Elementary, and Briarwood Elementary were all on modified lockdowns.
Local resident Kiashia Williams was driving home when she heard gunshots.
"Ambulances, police and everything everywhere just started rushing down," said Williams as she waited in her car, according to the Associated Press.
She was waiting to be allowed to go home and check on her daughter and she shared what she was experiencing on social media.
I don’t know historically -- I can’t imagine that there’s one that’s any worse than what we’re seeing today.
Johnny Jennings
Jennings called it the "most tragic incident" he had been a part of in his over three decades as a police officer.
"I’ve been with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg 32 years … it’s the most tragic [incident] that I’ve been involved in," according to WSOC.
"I don’t know historically -- I can’t imagine that there’s one that’s any worse than what we’re seeing today."
'TRAGIC SHOOTING'
The governor of North Carolina and other politicians made comments sharing their condolences about the tragedy.
"Our hearts are with the families and co-workers of officers in today’s brutal attack, including two state Department of Adult Correction officers working with the US Marshal’s Task Force who were shot and killed," Governor Roy Cooper wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"I am in contact with law enforcement concerning the tragic shooting in the Charlotte area, and we have offered state resources to help."
Mayor Vi Lyles also said she was "deeply saddened" by the shooting.
"I am deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred that involved Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers and US Marshals today. I ask that all Charlotteans keep them, the other injured officers, and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," she posted to X.
Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson also posted a comment on X.
"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 U.S. Marshal. Our thoughts are with them, their families, and the entire community during this difficult time," he wrote.
"We also extend our sincere condolences to everyone who was injured in this violent attack. Our office will continue to monitor this ongoing situation as it unfolds."
President Biden also made a statement on the shooting, insisting more needs be done to protect law enforcement officers.
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"Earlier today, four brave law enforcement officers – including a Deputy U.S. Marshal – were killed in the line of duty.
"They are heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, rushing into harm’s way to protect us. We mourn for them and their loved ones. And we pray for the recoveries of the courageous officers who were wounded."
He added, "To the families of those we lost: Jill and I, and all Americans, are here for you. And we will always be here for you."