Three law enforcement officers were killed and five others were shot and wounded Monday afternoon (April 29) in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said during a Monday evening press conference that the tragedy unfolded around 1:30 p.m. when officers with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve a warrant for felon in possession of a firearm at an east Charlotte home.

The task force officers from multiple different agencies immediately came under fire from a suspect wielding a rifle, and three were killed. The suspect was killed in the front yard when officers with the task force returned fire.

The U.S. Marshals Service confirmed to local media that one deputy U.S. Marshal had been shot and killed during the operation. Officials would not identify the agencies of the other two slain task force members.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg officers responded to calls for backup and came under fire from a second and possibly third suspect inside the residence. CMPD Police Chief Johnny Jennings said.

Four of the responding CMPD officers were wounded in the gunfight, as was an officer from another local agency. One of the wounded CMPD officers is in very critical condition and “fighting for his life,” Jennings said.

The chief said the other officer’s wounds range in severity from a graze to “wounds that require more attention.” He added that all are in stable condition.

Police say two persons of interest were removed from the home, a female and a 17-year-old male. Jennings said they are being questioned.

The chief praised the bravery of the officers who responded knowing that their fellow officers were under fire.

He also thanked surrounding agencies for helping the CMPD respond to calls.

Jennings called the incident the worst shooting involving Charlotte-Mecklenburg officers in the 32 years he has served with the department. “It’s an absolute tragic day for the city of Charlotte and the profession of law enforcement,” he said.