President Joe Biden plans to travel to North Carolina this Thursday to meet with the families of four officers who were killed earlier this week in what has been the deadliest attack on U.S. law enforcement since 2016.
During his visit, Biden is scheduled to stop in Wilmington and add a visit to Charlotte to meet with local officials and the families of the officers who were shot while serving a warrant on Monday. The officers were part of a task force from various agencies attempting to arrest Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, on warrants related to firearm possession and fleeing from authorities in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Hughes was also killed in the incident.
In addition to the four officers who lost their lives—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—four other officers were injured in the shootout. Authorities recovered an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a 40-caliber handgun, and ammunition at the scene.
Following the tragic event, Biden expressed condolences and solidarity with the community, praising the fallen officers as heroes who courageously risked their lives to protect others.
Police Chief Johnny pauses while speaking at press conference (Via Deborah Baker/Getty Images)
“We need to do more to support our law enforcement officers. This includes ensuring they have the necessary funding and resources to carry out their duties and keep our communities safe,” Biden stated in a call for action on gun violence, urging Congress to pass legislation like a ban on assault weapons.
Outside the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department’s North Tryon Division, Officer Eyer’s patrol car was adorned with an American flag and adorned with floral tributes from local residents paying their respects. The department described the vehicle as a solemn symbol of Officer Eyer’s sacrifice and service on their social media platform.
Officer Eyer’s memorial service is scheduled to take place on Friday at a Charlotte Baptist church.
