Statement from NAPO President Mick McHale on Murders of Law Enforcement Officers in Charlotte, North Carolina

May 1, 2024

 

Statement from NAPO President Mick McHale on Murders of Law Enforcement Officers in Charlotte, North Carolina

Alexandria, VA - On Monday, our nation saw one of the deadliest days for law enforcement when eight law enforcement officers were shot, four of whom were killed, while serving a warrant in Charlotte, North Carolina.  These brave officers were attempting to take down a violent felon wanted on firearms charges when they were gunned down in cold blood for simply doing their jobs.

This tragedy once again highlights the dangerous profession law enforcement officers have and the risks they face when serving and protecting their communities. Law enforcement officers are those who confront dangers and risk death to ensure our communities are safe from violence. The shooting of these eight officers is just adding to the ever-increasing number of officers being shot in the line of duty. In 2023, 378 officers were shot in the line of duty – the highest ever recorded. To date this year, over 100 officers have been shot, putting us on an unfortunate path of surpassing last year’s numbers.  This unmitigated violence against law enforcement must stop. Our nation must decide that the killing or the attempted killing of law enforcement officers is unacceptable and those who commit these heinous crimes must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

NAPO honors Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks, Investigator William “Alden” Elliot and Investigator Samuel Poloche of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, and Officer Joshua Eyer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their bravery and heroism. We mourn and grieve with their fellow officers, friends, and families, and we stand with and support the four officers who were shot, wishing them a quick and full recovery.