The investigation into the shooting of four law enforcement officers in Charlotte, North Carolina has concluded that the shooter acted alone and there was no friendly fire involved. The incident, which occurred on April 29, resulted in the deaths of four officers and injuries to four others. President Joe Biden visited Charlotte to meet with the families of the deceased officers. The shooter, identified as Terry Clark Hughes Jr., was killed by law enforcement officers during the incident. He was armed with an AR-15 rifle and a 40-caliber handgun, but only used the rifle during the shootout.
Police officials revealed that Hughes was the sole shooter and there was no evidence of anyone else firing at the officers. The investigation determined that the two females present in the home with Hughes did not fire at the officers. At least 12 officers engaged in a gun battle with Hughes for over 17 minutes before he was shot and killed. The officers believed there might have been a second shooter, but it was later confirmed that Hughes was the only aggressor. The investigation included extensive analysis of body-worn camera footage, interviews with officers, and physical evidence collected at the scene.
During the shootout, officers observed movement from a second-story window, leading them to believe there may have been another shooter. As a precaution, an armored vehicle was brought in to evacuate the wounded officers. However, it was later confirmed that there was no friendly fire during the incident. Police Chief Johnny Jennings stated that the department is still coping with the tragedy and providing support to the affected officers. The officers who lost their lives were identified as Sam Poloche and William Elliott from the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Joshua Eyer, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks.
The shooter, Terry Clark Hughes Jr., had been wanted in adjoining Lincoln County for possession of a firearm by an ex-felon and fleeing to elude. He was located at a home in Charlotte when law enforcement officers attempted to serve the warrants. Hughes barricaded himself inside the home and engaged in a prolonged gun battle with the officers. Despite initial confusion over the presence of a second shooter, the investigation confirmed that Hughes was solely responsible for the casualties. The incident was described as one of the deadliest shootings against law enforcement officers since 2016 when a sniper killed five officers at a Dallas protest. President Biden’s visit to Charlotte highlighted the seriousness of the incident and showed support for the families of the fallen officers.
