A tragic incident has unfolded in Charlotte, North Carolina, leaving four law enforcement officers dead.
As reported by PEOPLE, eight law enforcement officers were involved in a shootout while attempting to serve a warrant at a home Monday, April 29.
The officers arrived at the home - located on the 5000 block of Galway Drive - at approximately 1:30PM (local time).
The officers were members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force tasked with serving a warrant to an individual for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings confirmed in a press conference that 12 officers were met with gunfire from a "high-powered rifle" when approaching the property.
Officers returned fire and the individual was "later pronounced deceased in the front yard of the residence".
As a result of the shooting, U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force members Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott were killed. Both worked for the state’s Department of Adult Correction, per CNN.
Deputy US Marshal Thomas M. Weeks, 48, was also killed in the incident. He is survived by his wife and four children, according to the US Marshals Service. Both were 14-year veterans of the department. Poloche is survived by his wife and two children, and Elliott leaves behind a wife and one child.
CMPD officer Joshua Eyer was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital "with his wife and family by his side" after sustaining fatal injuries. He had served the North Tryon Divison for six years.
Officers are now searching for the individual who purchased the firearm used in the shooting.
Four other officers are hospitalized after being wounded in the incident.
The CMPD paid tribute to the officers, writing in a statement on their Facebook page: "The heroics actions of these officers are a testament to the dangers our law enforcement officers face daily.
"Today, some of our fellow colleagues made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our community. We are grateful for the bravery shown by all officers and outpouring responses from our neighboring agencies."
The United States Marshals Service also wrote in a Facebook post: "Our hearts are heavy tonight for the lives shattered by today's horrific shooting in Charlotte, NC.
"We mourn the loss of our Deputy and two Task Force Officers. We are grateful for all the support, and we keep the families and colleagues of all officers involved, in our thoughts."
Additionally, President Joe Biden has also paid tribute to the officers, saying in a statement: "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."
The President's statement continued: "When a law enforcement officer puts on that shield in the morning and heads out the door, their family members dread the phone call – the very call that came today. It’s like losing a piece of your soul.
"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."
Jennings has also provided a further statement on Tuesday: "Today is a heavy day. The last 24 hours have truly been heartbreaking for all.
We are continuing to support and lean on our law enforcement community as we navigate yesterday’s tragic attack on officers. My prayers go out to the family and friends of @CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer and the families of the three other officers killed yesterday afternoon. Officer Eyer, @NCCorrection Officers Samuel Poloche and William Elliott and @USMarshalsHQ Deputy Thomas Weeks made the ultimate sacrifice.
"Their lives and service will never be forgotten."
Our thoughts are with the loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
