GREENSBORO, N.C. — A tragic incident unfolded on December 23, 2024, when Officer Michael Horan of the Greensboro Police Department was fatally shot responding to reports of a man with a gun at a Food Lion supermarket. Just before 11 a.m., authorities received calls indicating the presence of an armed individual inside the store located on Lawndale Drive, prompting Horan’s swift response.
Upon arriving, Horan encountered 34-year-old Tarell Isaac McMillian, who, according to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), engaged the officer in a brief struggle. Reports indicate McMillian pulled out a weapon and shot Horan before fleeing the scene. Tragically, Horan did not have time to draw or return fire, underscoring the sudden nature of the encounter.
Officer Horan had been with the Greensboro Police Department since 2017 and had become a sworn officer the following year. He was widely acclaimed for his exceptional service record and had built an outstanding reputation throughout the community. Described by his department as "an excellent officer with an outstanding reputation," Horan leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife and children. Memorials have been established at police headquarters, with one outside the building and another within the main lobby. These spaces serve as poignant reminders of the ultimate sacrifice Horan made for his community.
Following the shooting, law enforcement launched a manhunt for McMillian, initiating a high-speed chase. The pursuit began when deputies spotted the suspect's vehicle in Johnston County. During the chase, Sampson County deputies and the Highway Patrol joined the effort, which concluded at Exit 355 near Warsaw, approximately 150 miles from the scene of the shooting. McMillian was arrested and is currently being held at the Guilford County Jail without bond, facing multiple charges related to his actions before and during the chase.
On December 26, 2024, the Greensboro Police Department announced McMillian had been charged with first-degree murder following the shooting of Officer Horan. Authorities have stated he may face additional charges as the investigation continues. Detectives have confirmed they are not seeking any other suspects related to this case, focusing solely on McMillian’s actions.
This incident marks the 43rd homicide of 2024 within Greensboro, underlining concerns related to rising violence, particularly against police officers. Horan’s death is particularly poignant as he is the second officer from the Greensboro Police Department to be killed in the line of duty within the past year. Previously, Officer Philip Dale Nix was shot and killed at the end of December 2023 during an attempt to stop a crime, leaving the police force and community grappling with the devastating loss of two courageous officers within such a short period.
Grief over Horan’s death has been palpable throughout the Greensboro community, leading to various fundraising efforts to support his family during this difficult time. The Greensboro Police Officer Association has set up online donations to aid Horan's family, reflecting the solidarity and support among law enforcement and the community they serve. Such initiatives express the collective mourning and respect for Horan’s life and service.
The dire circumstances surrounding Officer Horan's shooting reflect the broader challenges confronting law enforcement today. Officers are oftentimes first responders facing significant danger when addressing calls for help. This tragedy serves as another reminder of the risks officers undertake daily to protect and serve their communities.
Those who knew Horan remembered him not just as an officer, but as a devoted family man and valued member of the community. His loss reverberates beyond the police department and calls attention to the difficult realities faced by many across the nation involved with law enforcement.
The Greensboro Police Department’s leadership has expressed their condolences and commitment to standing by Horan’s family as they navigate this heartbreaking chapter. The local police have vowed to honor his legacy through continued service to the community, emphasizing values of courage, commitment, and community engagement.
