Interfaith Memorial Tonight for Fallen Officers

Tonight at 6PM at Little Rock AME Zion Church in Uptown Charlotte, interfaith leaders will come together to pray for peace in the City of Charlotte in the wake of a tragic day for Charlotte.

We are here. Tonight, we uplift our entire community for healing and peace.

Yesterday, four law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in northeast Charlotte. According to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), eight law enforcement officers were struck by gunfire while attempting to serve a warrant. Four succumbed to their injuries: CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, North Carolina Department of Corrections Officers Samuel Poloche and William Elliott, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks.

Three of the officers who were shot were treated for their injuries and released yesterday; one remains in the hospital in stable condition.

CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said this morning, "This is a tragedy that is going to impact our country for a very long time. This is a scar on Charlotte but we are a resilient city – it will take time and support from our entire community to heal."

Community activists are also wary of the impact of the impact of the shooting on how police will patrol and deescalate conflict in the aftermath of a terrifying day for law enforcement. The need for community building in the aftermath of the tragedy will be important for the Charlotte community.

It’s easy to feel helpless in these situations, so Y’all Weekly is extending the invitation from our friends at Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice, Union Seminary Center for Social Justice & Reconciliation, and MeckMIN to join the community this evening at Little Rock AME Zion Church in Uptown Charlotte at 6 PM.

“The group is bringing interfaith leaders together to pray for - and work for - peace in the City of Charlotte,” said Aisha Dew, a Charlotte community leader. “The event will be attended by faith leaders, clergy and elected leaders. We are saddened by the loss of life.”

“The families need the support of our faith community. We are here,” said Dew. “Tonight, we uplift our entire community for healing and peace.”