Four law enforcement officers were killed and four others injured in a shootout in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday.

The fallen officers include three U.S. Marshal task force members and one Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officer.

“What a tragic afternoon,” Franklin Graham posted on Facebook. “Our hearts break for their grieving families.

“The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief is right—today we lost heroes who were simply trying to keep the community safe. Please pray for their loved ones and the entire department.”

Seventeen Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) chaplains are ministering emotionally and spiritually to CMPD officers and their families following Monday’s tragedy.

“It’s just tragic,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “This was the worst officer-involved shooting in years, and the whole department is grieving. In a moment like this, it’s an honor to join them in their grief, offering prayer, comfort and a ministry of presence.”

Three other officers sustained gun wounds; all three are in stable condition and expected to survive. One officer was treated for a broken foot.

A U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force was attempting to serve a warrant at a home when the suspect fired on them from an upstairs window. The suspect was shot by police when he attempted to leave the home while armed, and was pronounced dead in the front yard.

Police initially said they believed there were two shooters in the drawn-out incident, but as the investigation progressed Tuesday, they indicated they were unsure a second shooter was involved. Officers recovered an AR-15 rifle and a 40-caliber handgun at the scene, as well as additional magazines for both.

The situation began around 1:50 p.m., and at 4:56 p.m., CMPD pronounced the area safe.

The CMPD officer killed was Joshua Eyer, a six-year veteran of the department. “He fought for several hours and passed away from his injuries with his wife and family by his side tonight,” CMPD Police Chief Johnny Jennings posted on X Monday night. Eyer is survived by his wife and 3-year-old son.

“I am truly grateful for his bravery, service and ultimate sacrifice,” Jennings’ post continued. “He will never be forgotten, and we are forever indebted.”

Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott, both officers of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, were two of the U.S. Marshal task force members who were killed in the shootout. Poloche leaves behind a wife and two children, and Elliott leaves behind a wife and one child. The third task force member killed was Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks, survived by his wife and four children.

The suspect was identified as 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr., who was wanted for possession of a firearm by a felon and two counts of felony flee to elude out of Lincoln County, North Carolina, according to WBTV.

When authorities cleared the residence, they found two females inside, a woman and a 17-year-old girl, who were both taken to the police station as persons of interest.

“Anytime a member of law enforcement is killed or injured in the line of duty, the whole profession hurts,” Jennings said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers as well as the other officers who were shot, including 4 of our own CMPD Officers,” Jennings wrote on X. “The bravery of these officers and all other officers who responded to the scene is unmatched. In the face of danger our people stepped up, committed to their oath to protect and serve. The days, months and years that follow this senseless tragedy will undoubtedly be difficult. But I couldn’t be more proud of how our local, state and federal first responder agencies came together today and I’m confident that’s what will carry us through.”

Late Monday night after Eyer passed away, CMPD cruisers formed a procession and fellow officers and hospital employees came out to pay respects while his body was taken to the medical examiner’s office.

BG-RRT chaplains are also ministering in Minden, Iowa; Elkhorn, Nebraska, and Sulphur, Oklahoma after dozens of tornadoes tore through the midsection of the U.S. over the weekend. At least five people were killed in Oklahoma, including a 4-month-old girl, and countless homes and buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

“Join me in praying for the families whose loved ones were killed and the many who have lost their homes,” Franklin posted on Monday. “In Oklahoma, it is reported that an infant is among those killed. Tens of thousands are without power. So many lives have been turned upside down.”

Holland said, “The overwhelming sense of loss—for those who lost their homes, and especially for those who lost loved ones—will be nearly unbearable. We want the people of Sulphur and the surrounding region to know that Jesus loves them, that we are praying for them, and we will be standing beside them.”

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS