A tragic incident unfolded in Hiram, Georgia, as a Georgia sheriff's deputy lost his life in the line of duty while responding to a reported domestic dispute. The incident occurred when two deputies arrived at the scene shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday and were met with gunfire from a suspect in what authorities described as an ambush.
According to Major Ashley Henson of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect opened fire on the deputies from a home in a subdivision in Hiram. Tragically, Deputy Brandon Cunningham, 30, succumbed to a gunshot wound at a hospital, confirmed Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge.
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Additionally, a woman involved in the domestic dispute had left the scene but returned while law enforcement was present. She had also been shot and was transported to an Atlanta-area hospital, where she is listed in stable condition.
During a briefing, Sheriff Gulledge expressed the profound loss, stating, “Tonight, we’ve lost a hero.” He acknowledged the challenging times ahead for the department and extended condolences to the fallen deputy's family and colleagues.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will lead the investigation into the incident. Major Henson emphasized that it was unclear if any officers returned fire during the confrontation. He described the event as a “tremendously tragic situation,” highlighting that the sheriff's office had never before lost an officer in the line of duty.
Reflecting on the heartbreaking turn of events, Major Henson shared, “Our hearts are broken. You see us holding it together but there are going to be, there is already heartache, there is already tears.” The community, located approximately 27 miles northwest of Atlanta, mourns the loss of Deputy Cunningham and stands in solidarity with law enforcement during this difficult time.
