Georgia Deputy Fatally Shot Responding to Domestic Dispute Call

In a tragic incident, a Georgia sheriff’s deputy lost his life while responding to a domestic dispute that turned deadly. This incident occurred during what authorities described as an ambush by a suspect who later took his own life.

Deputy Brandon Cunningham, aged 30, and another deputy were called to a home in a subdivision in Hiram, Georgia, shortly after 6 a.m. ET on Saturday. Upon their arrival, the suspect opened fire on the deputies and other attending officers, unleashing a barrage of bullets that struck Cunningham. Major Ashley Henson from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office remarked in a news conference, “Unfortunately, it appears as if our deputies were ambushed.”

This situation has been labeled a “tremendously tragic” event by Henson, who noted the gravity of the moment.

Deputy Cunningham’s death marks a solemn milestone for the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. Henson expressed during the briefing, “This is something that has never happened in the history of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. We have never lost a deputy in the line of duty.”

Cunningham succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital after suffering a gunshot wound. Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge stated, “Tonight, we’ve lost a hero,” emphasizing the emotional toll this loss will take on the department and their community.

The suspect, who has yet to be identified, reportedly died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Henson.

A woman involved in the domestic dispute was initially not at the scene but returned while police were responding. She too sustained injuries and was transported to an Atlanta-area hospital, where her condition was reported to be stable.

The investigation into the shooting will be led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. As of now, it remains unclear whether any officers returned fire during the incident, which took place approximately 27 miles northwest of Atlanta.

Cunningham joined the sheriff’s department in 2020 and served in the uniform patrol division for about two years. He is survived by his two children.

Major Henson concluded the briefing with a heartfelt message, stating, “Our hearts are broken. You see us holding it together, but there is going to be, there is already heartache, there are already tears.” This poignant acknowledgment illustrates the profound impact Deputy Cunningham’s sacrifice will have on his colleagues and the broader community.