Fallen Deputy U.S. Marshal's Wife Condemns Suspect's "Disregard for Human Life

Kelly Weeks, widow of Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks Jr., implored the public to support law enforcement officers and show them proper respect, denouncing the Charlotte shootout suspect's lack of regard for life.

Kelly Weeks, the grieving widow of Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. "Tommy" Weeks, addressed the attendees of her husband's memorial service on Monday, speaking of the killer who ended his life.

"This tragedy was the result of someone who did not have any regard for human life," Kelly said of the suspect, 39-year-old Terry Clark Hughes Jr.

Hughes fatally shot Weeks, along with North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) Officers Sam Poloche and William "Alden" Elliott, and CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer from the second floor of his Galway Drive home in Charlotte on April 29. Four more law enforcement officers were injured during the shootout while trying to serve a warrant for Hughes' arrest.

Kelly expressed her gratitude to the law enforcement community for their support and recognized the risks they take daily to protect society. She emphasized the need for public support and respect for law enforcement officers.

"I see so many law enforcement officers here to pay their respects. It is a clear reminder of the sacrifice these men and women make every day," she said. "If you do not serve or have a family with individuals who do serve, you sleep peacefully at night knowing you're protected by many brave men and women."

Attorney General Merrick Garland, also present at the memorial service, praised Kelly's resilience and thanked her for her support of law enforcement during this difficult time.

Garland noted that Kelly had asked him what she could do to support the Marshal Service and the Justice Department, a gesture that moved him deeply.

In the wake of last week's tragic shooting, former FBI agent Nicole Parker has called upon Garland and the Department of Justice to establish more robust protocols for arrests and takedowns, highlighting the need for federal agents to be better protected in these situations.

Like Kelly Weeks, Parker emphasized the importance of respect for law enforcement officers, both from the public and the federal government.

"Until our country wakes up and shows respect, learns lessons from these tragedies, shares those lessons and makes some changes, it's going to keep happening," Parker said.

President Biden also visited Charlotte on Thursday to meet with the fallen officers' families and members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. He expressed his condolences and stressed the need for increased funding for law enforcement and additional action to combat gun violence.

"We must do more to protect our law enforcement officers. That means funding them – so they have the resources they need to do their jobs and keep us safe," President Biden said in a statement.

Kelly Weeks concluded her remarks by expressing her hope that her husband's memory would inspire others to support law enforcement and fight for justice.

"Tommy's mission in life was to make the world safer and fight for justice," Weeks' wife said. "So what do I need? I need this country to come together, to support our law enforcement officers so they can continue to fight for justice just like my husband did. Thank an officer every single day, encourage our children to show police officers the proper respect."