Law enforcement, as well as state and city officials, said the loss has been heavy on the community and the family members of those who were killed.

Officer Eyer, who served in the CMPD for six years and was 31 years old, leaves behind a wife and a three-year-old son.

Chief Jennings said he had just honoured him as "Officer of the Month" in April.

"That's because of his work in the community, because of his work getting guns off the street, and because of how he responds to his cases and how he treats people," he said. "He was the kind of officer you want on your team. And as he demonstrated yesterday, he is the kind of officer you want to respond when you need help."

Poloche, 42, and Elliott, 46, also leave behind families, officials said. Weeks was 48 years old, and is survived by his wife and four children.

"No matter what task you gave him, he always had a smile," said Mr Davis of Weeks. "He was the person you could count on."

North Carolina officials said they have since received several calls from governors of other states across the US, as well as from President Joe Biden and police chiefs from cities in both the US and Canada.

Flowers have since been laid at the police department's front door in honour of the officers.

The incident is one of the deadliest assaults on US law enforcement in recent years.