Community leaders, both civic and religious, are urging the community to show patience, love, and grace as they come to terms with the aftermath, especially the four families who have lost husbands and fathers.
Authorities have chosen not to disclose specific details about the incident, including the appropriateness of law enforcement engaging in a prolonged gun battle in a residential area during daylight hours. According to a statement from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, on Monday afternoon, members of a U.S. Marshals Service task force were executing an active felony warrant at a residence in east Charlotte when a fugitive armed with a high-powered rifle opened fire from the second floor. Multiple officers were struck, prompting the remaining task force members to call for backup. As local police arrived and attempted to rescue the downed task force members, additional gunfire erupted from the house, striking more officers.
The gunman, identified as 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr., exited the house carrying a firearm and was shot by police. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In total, eight law enforcement officers were shot, with three members of the task force and an officer from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department succumbing to their injuries at local hospitals.
Recovery of Injured Officers
Most of the wounded officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department were expected to recover from their injuries, officials stated on Tuesday. Officer Christopher Tolley, hired in May 2006, underwent surgery for gunshot wounds and remained in stable condition in the hospital. Justin Campbell, a 4-year veteran, was discharged Tuesday morning after receiving treatment for injuries, including a broken foot. Michael Giglio, an officer since February 2021, was treated for gunshot wounds and discharged from the hospital on Monday. Also treated and released on the same day was Jack Blowers, hired in February 2023.
Investigation Developments
Initially, police indicated the possibility of a second shooter in the house, but officials have since retracted that statement. At a news briefing on Tuesday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings informed reporters that it appeared gunfire erupted after Hughes was taken down, with shots coming from "multiple locations within the house."
Two women present at the house, an adult and a 17-year-old, were taken to the police department for questioning after Hughes was killed. Both have been cooperative, and the police are not seeking additional suspects. While the women have not been charged, Jennings noted the potential for criminal prosecution. He did not disclose their relationship to each other or to Hughes.
Ongoing Processing of Evidence
Investigators continue to search the house and process evidence. They have recovered a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle, a 40-caliber handgun, and additional magazines and ammunition for both weapons. It remains unclear how Hughes obtained the weapons, as he is a convicted felon prohibited from legally purchasing firearms.
Jennings emphasized the substantial amount of evidence being collected, including over 100 rounds of gunfire, projectiles, and casings. He appealed for patience as the investigation progresses.
Administrative Actions
In the exchange of gunfire, 12 officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department discharged their service weapons. They have all been placed on paid administrative leave, standard protocol for any officer-involved shooting, according to Jennings. The department's internal affairs unit will conduct a separate investigation.
The chief emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, with lingering questions to be addressed as the inquiry advances.
Tributes to Slain Officers
Among the officers killed were Sam Poloche, 42, and Alden Elliot, 46, both of whom served in the state's Department of Adult Correction. These fathers were members of the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Poloche joined the correction department's special operations and intelligence unit in 2013, followed by Elliot in 2016. Both had previously worked as probation and parole officers, according to the agency. Poloche is survived by his wife and two children, while Elliot is survived by his wife and one child.
U.S. Marshals Deputy Thomas M. Weeks Jr., 48, of Mooresville, North Carolina, also lost his life. The husband and father of four had served with the Marshals Service for 13 years, most of which were spent in the western district of North Carolina. Prior to joining the Marshals Service, Weeks spent eight years with Customs and Border Protection. He began working at the Washington, D.C., Superior Court in 2011 before transferring to Charlotte in 2014.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Officer Joshua Eyer was shot at the scene and fought for his life in the hospital before passing away with his wife and family by his side. Eyer, the father of a 3-year-old boy, had served at the police department for six years and had recently been named officer of the month.
Community Response
Several religious and civic leaders have highlighted the incident as an opportunity for Charlotte to confront the issues of gun violence and police-community relations more urgently.
Willie Rachford, the long-time director of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Department, emphasized the abnormality of the event, stating, "We’ve got to recognize it’s not normal to kill four police officers and wound four others... When hope is crushed, our hearts are crushed. Let’s keep hope alive. Let’s restore our hope."
The tragedy has sparked a wave of support and reflection within the community, underscoring the profound impact of the event on Charlotte and its residents.