Four law enforcement officers were killed in an attack by gunmen in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. Four others were shot. The attack took place on Monday (April 29) evening local time when an arrest warrant was served at a home in Charlotte. British media reported the news.
Local police said they recovered the body of a suspected attacker after the gun attack. Two suspects are believed to have been involved in the attack.
It was one of the deadliest attacks on US law enforcement in decades.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said at a news conference that the officers were members of a US Marshals Service-led task force. This task force is made up of officials from various organizations.
He said that before the gunfight started, the deceased officers tried to go to that house with an arrest warrant against a criminal for illegal possession of firearms. They went there after receiving information that a suspect has taken refuge in that house. At that time, the gunmen opened fire at the officials from inside the house. Later, the officers also fired at them. Jenny also claimed that the shooting lasted for about three hours.
A SWAT team goes there after hearing gunshots and retaliatory fire. At that time, a woman and a 17-year-old boy inside the house were taken into their custody. Police Officer Johnny Jennings said at least one of them is believed to have fired at the officers.
A high powered rifle was found inside the house. Johnny Jennings added, “Today we lost some heroes who were working to keep us all safe.” One of the four injured officers is in critical condition.
Several nearby schools were placed on lockdown during the shooting. Residents were asked to take shelter in safe places.
One of the slain officers was a US Marshals Service officer. Two were members of the Department of Adult Corrections.
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