Crime & Safety
Charlotte, NC Shootings: 5 Killed, Including 2 Teens, Sheriff Says
CHARLOTTE, NC – Five people, including two teenagers, were killed in four separate shootings across Charlotte last weekend, prompting Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry L. McFadden to issue an emotional
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-29T16:56:05.118Z
CHARLOTTE, NC – Five people, including two teenagers, were killed in four separate shootings across Charlotte last weekend, prompting Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry L. McFadden to issue an emotional public statement Thursday, Oct. 29, calling for immediate community action against gun violence.
The deaths have left five families grieving as Charlotte continues confronting the impact of deadly shootings on neighborhoods throughout the city.
According to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, McFadden addressed the violence in a statement titled "Five Killed in Four Charlotte Shootings: Silence Leaves Too Much Room for Violence."
Five Dead, Including Two Teenagers The sheriff confirmed that five people lost their lives in four shootings during the weekend of Oct. 24 25.
Two of those killed were teenagers.
McFadden, a former homicide detective, described witnessing firsthand the lasting emotional devastation experienced by families after violent deaths.
"Five families are grieving and preparing to bury their loved ones," McFadden said.
The statement did not identify the victims, specify the shooting locations or provide information about possible suspects.
Sheriff Calls for Community Action McFadden urged Charlotte residents not to become desensitized to violence or overlook tragedies occurring outside their immediate neighborhoods.
"We cannot accept this as 'normal,'" he said.
The sheriff emphasized that law enforcement cannot prevent violence alone, calling on parents, teachers, faith leaders, athletes and community members to become more involved.
He specifically referenced communities from Ballantyne to Beatties Ford, stressing the need for a citywide response.
'Silence Leaves Too Much Room for Violence' McFadden encouraged residents to intervene when young people appear headed toward violence and to report dangerous activity before another life is lost.
"Silence leaves too much room for violence," he said.
The sheriff also called for action beyond public statements, rallies and social media discussions.
"I will not look away, and I will not be silent," McFadden said.
His message comes as five Charlotte families face the aftermath of a deadly weekend.