According to police reports, at least three law enforcement officers lost their lives during a shootout in a neighborhood in the southeastern US state of North Carolina. Additionally, one of the officers struck by gunfire was in critical condition.

Three law enforcement officers lost their lives in a shootout near a domestic residence in an eastern suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, as confirmed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) on Monday.

According to police, one of the officers struck by gunfire was in critical condition, and a total of eight law enforcement officers were shot.

The individual suspected of firing at the officers was pronounced dead at the scene, while two additional shooters have been taken in for questioning, stated the police.

During a press conference, Police Chief Johnny Jenkings expressed, "Tragically, there were three members of the US Marshals Task Force who were pronounced deceased. Four CMPD officers were shot, one of whom is in critical condition in the hospital, fighting for his life." He described it as "a tragic day for the city of Charlotte and for the profession of law enforcement."

Jenkins explained that the officers were in the process of serving a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon when they came under fire from the house. The exchange resulted in the suspect being killed in the front yard. However, gunfire from inside the house initiated a three-hour standoff, which was resolved by a SWAT team aided by armored vehicles a couple of hours later.

Inside the house, a woman and a 17-year-old male were discovered along with a high-powered rifle, as per Jenkins.

He emphasized the loss of the officers, referring to them as heroes dedicated to ensuring community safety. Jenkins underscored the uncertainty of law enforcement work, stating, "when we put on this uniform, we don't have any guarantees that we'll return home."

Local resident Kiashia Williams recounted hearing multiple shots while driving home, describing the scene with ambulances and police vehicles rushing by.

The incident prompted the temporary lockdown of four local schools, which was lifted later in the afternoon, according to district authorities.

Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina expressed his solidarity with law enforcement in Charlotte and offered state resources to assist in the situation.