King, Michael
Riddle, Andrew
Kurcsak, Brian
Holmes, Grant
Incident Debrief: US Marshals Task Force OIS and Barricade, Charlotte Mecklenburg

On April 29, 2024, a U.S. Marshals Task Force responded to 5525 Galway Drive in an attempt to locate a subject with outstanding warrants for his arrest. Contact was made, initiating a deadly encounter when the suspect armed himself with an AR-style rifle and engaged law enforcement from an elevated position. The incident resulted in eight officers being shot, four fatally, prompting an urgent SWAT all-call and a large-scale multi-agency response. This presentation will offer an in-depth analysis of the incident, emphasizing the challenges of managing a rapidly evolving critical event involving multiple responding agencies. Attendees will examine key decision points and tactical considerations, including the importance of establishing a unified command post for coordination and accountability, the role of cover versus concealment under elevated threat conditions, and SWAT's response to an unknown number of suspects, including the implementation of a gas plan. The discussion will cover how terrain impacted the deployment and effectiveness of armored vehicles.

Michael King - Bio
Sgt. Michael King has been with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department since October 1998. He has worked various shifts and different assignments in his 26-year career. Sgt. King has been a member of the SWAT team since June of 2002. During his time with the team, he has been part of 100s of operations, including high-risk warrants, dignitary escorts, high-risk barricades, and tactical support for large events throughout Charlotte. He has served as a tactical entry officer and sniper team member. Sgt. King was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2018 and served as the sniper ATL until June 21, 2021, when he assumed the position of tactical operations sergeant. He oversees all tactical operations, training, and equipment.

Andrew Riddle - Bio
Sgt. Andrew Riddle Has been with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department since 2002. He has worked various shifts and assignments over his 23-year career, including patrol, street crimes and bike unit. He has been a member of the SWAT team since 2010. He is the sniper team leader and has been part of high-risk warrants, dignitary escorts, high-risk barricades, and large events. He has served as a tactical entry officer, breacher, and sniper team leader. Riddle was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2018.

Brian Kurcsak - Bio
Det. Brian Kurcsak has over 17 years of service with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. He has been assigned to the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) for the last seven years. VCAT is responsible for locating, apprehending, and serving arrest warrants on Charlotte's most dangerous criminals. Brian is also currently assigned as a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department SWAT team. Kurcsak has been a member of the SWAT team for approximately 12 years with a focus in firearms training, hostage rescue, mass public violence, response to barricaded suspects, vehicle apprehension, dignitary visitation and large venue threat mitigation.

Grant Holmes - Bio
Officer Grant Holmes is a highly experienced law enforcement officer with over 17 years of service with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). With a distinguished career that includes 15 years as a SWAT team operator, Holmes has built an extensive background in tactical operations, firearms training, and weapons maintenance. Currently assigned to CMPD's Firearms Training Unit, he serves as the department's Lead Armorer, ensuring the operational readiness of officers through expert instruction and meticulous firearm maintenance. Before his tenure with CMPD, Holmes served in the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade, 1/508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, where he gained extensive experience in airborne operations, combat tactics, and firearms proficiency. His military service earned him the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Polish Parachutist Badge, reflecting his dedication and expertise in high-intensity operational environments. As a certified armorer for Glock, Remington, Daniel Defense, and Smith & Wesson, Holmes plays a crucial role in maintaining and servicing department-issued weapons. His expertise extends to developing and conducting advanced firearms training programs for officers, emphasizing accuracy, safety, and tactical proficiency. Throughout his career, he has received multiple commendations, including two Chief's Awards for Excellence in Policing and a Lifesaving Award, highlighting his commitment to service, leadership, and public safety. His dedication to training, mentorship, and operational excellence continues to contribute to the effectiveness and safety of the officers he trains.