4 Law Enforcement Officers Killed, 4 Wounded While Serving Warrant at North Carolina Home

"They are heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice," President Biden said in a statement

Eight law enforcement officers were shot and four killed following a shootout at a home in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they were attempting to serve a warrant.

On Monday, April 29, at around 1:30 p.m. local time, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force headed to the 5000 block of Galway Avenue in an attempt to serve a warrant on an individual for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed in a statement shared on Facebook that three U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force members died from gunshots, as well as CMPD officer Joshua Eyer, who had served the North Tryon Divison for six years.

While speaking during a press briefing, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings confirmed officers were met with gunfire while approaching the individual at the residence.

Jennings confirmed officers returned gunfire and the individual was "later pronounced deceased in the front yard of the residence."

Additional gunfire was then fired by another person from inside the residence. The home was cleared after a "long standoff," and Jennings confirmed there were "two additional people inside." The pair were later taken to the police station as persons of interest.

"Today's an absolutely tragic day for the city of Charlotte and for the profession of law enforcement," Jennings said during the news briefing. "Today we lost some heroes. That are out to simply try and keep our community safe."

The CMPD paid tribute to the law enforcement officers shot in a Facebook statement. "Today, we tragically lost three U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force members in the line of duty. Five additional officers were struck by gunfire. This includes four CMPD officers and an additional officer from an assisting agency."

"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 statement added.

Police later confirmed Eyer, who was just recently named officer of the month for April, had died. "Officer Joshua Eyer has passed away tonight from his injuries after being shot in the line of duty this afternoon while assisting other officers with the apprehension of a suspect," a post shared on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) read.

"Officer Eyer faithfully served the CMPD’s North Tryon Division for six years and was a member of the 178th Recruit Class. We are forever indebted to Officer Eyer for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice. His life and service will never be forgotten. Please say a prayer for Officer Eyer’s loved ones during this difficult time," the message added.

The United States Marshals Service 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."

President Joe Biden paid tribute in a statement shared via the White House website. "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," it read.

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"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," the president added.

CMPD didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.

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