A Georgia sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Saturday night while responding to a call about a domestic dispute, officials said.
Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge identified the deceased deputy as Brandon Cunningham, a 30-year-old father of two.
“Tonight, we’ve lost a hero,” Gulledge said.
Cunningham and another deputy were “ambushed” while responding to a home in Hiram after receiving reports of a domestic dispute, Maj. Ashley Henson said during a press conference later Saturday night.
“Unfortunately, it appears as if our deputies were ambushed,” Henson said, calling it a “tremendously tragic situation.”
Paulding County Sheriff Brandon Cunningham is seen in this undated image.
Paulding County Sheriff’s Office
Upon arriving at the address, the deputies were met with gunfire from the suspect inside the home, Henson said.
Cunningham was struck, while the other deputy avoided the gunfire.
A female victim at the scene was also shot and was transported to the ICU. She was in stable condition as of Saturday night, officials said.
The male suspect, who officials have not identified, was found dead at the scene of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Cunningham was a father of two who had worked for the sheriff’s department since 2020.
His death marks the first officer killed in the line of duty in the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.
In a statement shared to Facebook, the department called it “one of the hardest in the history of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.”
“I ask that you pray for this family — both blood and blue,” Gulledge said during the press conference. “Everybody here is hurting, our whole staff is hurting.”
A tragic incident unfolded in Georgia when a sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot while responding to a domestic dispute call. The deputy, whose name has not been released to the public, was a dedicated law enforcement officer who put his life on the line every day to protect and serve his community.
The incident occurred in a rural area of Georgia, where the deputy was called to a residence to investigate a domestic dispute. As he arrived at the scene, he was met with gunfire from an individual inside the home. Despite wearing protective gear and following proper protocol, the deputy was struck by the bullets and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. Domestic dispute calls are among the most volatile and unpredictable situations that officers respond to, as emotions run high and tensions escalate quickly. Despite their training and experience, officers can never fully anticipate how a situation will unfold.
The loss of the sheriff’s deputy has sent shockwaves through the community and law enforcement agencies across the state. Colleagues, friends, and family members are mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
In the wake of this tragedy, there has been an outpouring of support for the fallen deputy’s family and fellow officers. The community has come together to honor his memory and show appreciation for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are working diligently to bring the perpetrator to justice. It is imperative that those responsible for this senseless act are held accountable for their actions and face the full consequences of the law.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices that law enforcement officers make every day. It is a stark reminder of the dangers they face in protecting and serving their communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the fallen deputy and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.
