Photos Show Aftermath Of Damage Done To Home During Charlotte Shooting

Photos of the damage done during the Charlotte shooting that took place on Monday, April 29, 2024, have been released.

As The Blast reported, four officers were killed in a shooting in Charlotte, North Carolina -- including one deputy U.S. Marshal. Law enforcement was attempting to serve a warrant at the home.

The suspect, who has been identified as 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes, Jr., was found dead in the front yard of a barricaded home after a standoff with a US Marshals Service-led task force that lasted three hours.

"The officers returned fire at an assailant in the front yard, then more shots were fired at them from inside the home," Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said in a news conference. "A high-powered rifle was found inside the property," he added.

“Unfortunately, this individual decided to greet [officers] with gunfire, and it just turned into a tragic event for the officers who were originally out on the scene and the officers who responded to try and assist,” Jennings later told CNN.

The assault only ended after police stormed the home by using armored vehicles to breach inside. Photos have been shared to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, showing the enormous damage done to the home.

"We are getting a close look this morning of the East Charlotte home where four law enforcement officers were shot and killed yesterday morning," WSOC-TV reporter Eli Brand shared. "You can see the damage caused by an armored truck police used to breach inside."

During Monday's press conference, Police Chief Johnny Jennings told reporters, "Today we lost some heroes who were out simply trying to keep our community safe." He also confirmed law enforcement is very early in their investigation.

According to North Carolina state records obtained by WCNC, Hughes, the suspect in the Charlotte shooting, was convicted of breaking and entering in 2010. He spent approximately six months in prison and was released in May 2011.

Hughes was then arrested in June 2012 after a high-speed chase. According to the news outlet, deputies said "Hughes led them on a chase at speeds over 100 mph after turning around to avoid a checkpoint. At the time, he was wanted on several warrants in numerous counties for failing to appear in court." He was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and speeding to elude arrest, and spent nearly a year in prison.

But his track record does not end there because, in May 2021, he was arrested by CMPD on multiple drug charges and with fleeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle. He was released a few hours later.

Hughes was wanted on warrants out of Lincoln County, which led the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force to the home. After a three-hour-long shootout, Hughes was killed, along with four other officers.

An additional four officers were injured; three have been discharged from the hospital, while the fourth is in stable condition.

"I am deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred," Vi Lyles, Charlotte's mayor, said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. "I ask that all Charlotteans keep them, and the other injured officers, and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."

The U.S. Marshals Service released a statement shortly after the incident. "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," they wrote on X. "We are grateful for all the support, and we keep the families and colleagues of all officers involved, in our thoughts."

President Joe Biden also released a statement on X, writing, "Yesterday, four brave law enforcement officers – including a Deputy U.S. Marshal – were killed in Charlotte, North Carolina in the line of duty. They are heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, rushing into harm’s way to protect us."

He added, "We mourn for them and their loved ones. And we pray for the recoveries of the courageous officers who were wounded."