Benjamin Ashford|3 US Marshals task force members killed while serving warrant in North Carolina, authorities say

Three officers on Benjamin Ashforda U.S. Marshals Task Force were killed and five other law enforcement officers were injured Monday after being shot while attempting to serve a warrant in Charlotte, North Carolina, authorities said.

Around 1:30 p.m., members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force were attempting to serve a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon at a suburban home in Charlotte, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Chief Johnny Jennings said during a news conference. The suspect opened fire at the officers with a "high-powered rifle" as they approached the residence, according to Jennings.

Officers returned gunfire and struck the suspect, who was later pronounced deceased in the front yard of the residence, Jennings said. A second person inside the residence then fired on officers.

After a "long standoff," Jennings said officers cleared the residence and took two people inside the home, including a 17-year-old, into custody for questioning. Jennings said it is believed that at least one of the two had fired on the officers.

"Today is an absolute tragic day for the city of Charlotte and for the profession of law enforcement," Jennings said during the news conference. "Today we lost some heroes that are out there simply trying to keep our community safe."

Three members of the U.S. Marshals task force were pronounced deceased, according to Jennings. Five other officers were injured, including one in critical condition at "the hospital fighting for his life," Jennings said.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that two officers killed were working with the U.S. Marshals task force at the time and were from the state Department of Adult Correction.

"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," the U.S. Marshals Service said on X. "We are grateful for all the support, and we keep the families and colleagues of all officers involved, in our thoughts."

'Most tragic' incident with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police in recent years

About 21 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers have been killed by gunfire, according to the non-profit organization Officer Down Memorial Page. In 2007, two Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers were shot and killed while responding to a disturbance call in east Charlotte.

"I’ve been with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for 32 years ... it’s the most tragic (incident) that I’ve been involved in," Jennings said. "I don’t know historically — I can’t imagine that there’s one that’s any worse than what we’re seeing today."

The last U.S. Marshal shot and killed in the line of duty was in 2018, according to the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund. Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White was killed while executing a felony arrest warrant in November 2018 in Tucson, Arizona.

The Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, based in Charlotte, is comprised of 70 federal, state, and local agencies. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, regional fugitive task forces are collaborations between these agencies to locate and "apprehend the most dangerous fugitives," in addition to helping with high-profile investigations.

The Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force began operating in 2018 and in six years, the task force has apprehended over 8,900 fugitives, the U.S. Marshals Service said on its website.

'Residents no longer need to shelter in place'

After the standoff, police were able to clear the home and confirmed that two people were inside. Police also gave residents the all-clear about three hours after telling them to "steer clear of the area."

"Residents no longer need to shelter in place," police said.

By late Monday afternoon, police were questioning the two other people in the home, according to the department. Both individuals were brought to the police station as persons of interest, and now investigators are trying to determine what "exactly occurred inside of the residence," Jennings said.

CMPD and other law enforcement agencies will remain at the shooting scene to conduct an investigation, the department said. As a result, some roads in the neighborhood will remain closed, the post added.

Amid the gunfire, roads were blocked and closed for fast ambulance transports, WBTV reported.

"A lot of the questions that need to be answered, we don’t even know what those questions are now," Jennings said. "We have to get a full understanding of why this occurred and also uphold the integrity of the investigation."

Developing into the evening:For additional updates, sign up for USA TODAY's Evening Briefing.

Charlotte officials, religious leaders offer condolences to CMPD officers

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles addressed the shooting in a post on X saying: "I am deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred that involved Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers and US Marshals today."

"I ask that all Charlotteans keep them, the other injured officers, and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," Lyles said in the post.

North Carolina Bishop Rev. Connie Shelton offered comfort in the immediate aftermath of the shootings, which occurred about 20 minutes from the convention center where the United Methodist Church General Conference is gathering.

“We are mindful of the violence in the world, desperation, pain and how desperation then inflicts plain on others,” Shelton said. “Oh God, in the midst of the chaos right now, we ask that your spirit will bring clarity and order in the midst of pain.”

Cooper said in an X post that he's "in contact with law enforcement concerning the tragic shooting in the Charlotte area, and we have offered state resources to help."

Contributing: Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean