President Joe Biden Visits Charlotte, North Carolina Following Deadly Shooting

President Joe Biden paid a visit to the victims' families in Charlotte, North Carolina, and shared thoughts on the "heroic actions" the officers took on Monday, April 29.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force was serving a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon when the suspect opened fire. Police returned gunfire, and killed the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes, Jr.

Unfortunately, four officers also lost their lives in the shooting.

One day after the horrific shooting that occurred in Charlotte, North Carolina, President Joe Biden released a statement on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

"Yesterday, four brave law enforcement officers – including a Deputy U.S. Marshal – were killed in Charlotte, North Carolina in the line of duty," President Biden began. "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," he added. "To the families of those we lost: Jill and I, and all Americans, are here for you. We will always be here for you."

On Thursday, May 2, shortly after the President addressed the nation regarding the ongoing college campus protests, he flew to Charlotte to visit the families of the four fallen officers and three of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's injured officers from the tragic event on Monday.

Those killed were identified as Sam Poloche and William Elliott of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Joshua Eyer; and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks.

Biden shared thoughts on "the heroic actions [the] officers took on Monday and every day," according to CMPD. "Their service and sacrifice can never be repaid."

The police department thanked the President for stopping by and sharing a moment with [their] local heroes. "We continue to be overwhelmed by the support from our community and from across the country," CMPD added.

On Monday, April 29, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force was attempting to serve a warrant at the home in Charlotte. However, they were met with gunfire from an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.

“As officers approached, they received additional gunfire from inside the residence," Chief Jennings said in a press conference, per The Blast's previous report.

“Unfortunately, this individual decided to greet them with gunfire," Jennings later told CNN. "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."

40-caliber handgun and ammunition were also found at the scene.

The deceased suspect in the Charlotte shooting, Terry Clark Hughes, Jr., had a track record with the police. In 2010, he was convicted of breaking and entering and spent approximately six months in prison, according to North Carolina state records obtained by WCNC. He was released in May 2011.

In June 2012, Hughes was arrested again 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."

Hughes was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and speeding to elude arrest and spent nearly a year in prison.

In May 2021, Hughes was arrested a third time on multiple drug charges and with fleeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle. He was released from prison a few hours later.

After the tragic incident, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released information on how the community can support the families affected by the shooting, including how to send personal gifts, cards, or item donations.

For information on how to donate to the victims' families, visit our website here.