‘Our hearts are broken’: Deputy killed while responding to domestic dispute

HIRAM, Ga. (Atlanta News First/Gray News) - A sheriff’s office in Georgia is mourning a deputy who was killed in the line of duty Saturday.

Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brandon Cunningham, 30, died from his injuries after he was shot while responding to a domestic dispute Saturday evening, authorities said.

According to officials, a gunman also died after an hourslong standoff that followed. Additionally, they said a woman, identified as 52-year-old Kim Thao Vu, was shot at the home before deputies arrived.

The sheriff’s office said Vu is currently in serious condition at a hospital.

According to the sheriff’s office, Cunningham was the first Paulding County deputy to die in the line of duty.

“This is something that has never happened in the history of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office,” Maj. Ashley Henson, with the sheriff’s office, said during a press conference Saturday night. “We have never lost a deputy in the line of duty.”

The sheriff’s office said Cunningham and another deputy responded to a domestic dispute at a house on Foggy Creek Lane in the Harmony Creek subdivision of Hiram around 6:15 p.m.

Authorities said a man inside the home immediately began firing at the deputies, hitting Cunningham.

“Unfortunately, it appears as if our deputies were ambushed,” Henson said.

In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office said, “Cunningham was shot as he exited his patrol vehicle, never even seeing the threat before being executed.”

SWAT teams from different agencies showed up to provide backup during the standoff that ensued.

Cunningham was taken to a hospital where he later died.

Officials said the suspect took his own life. He has been identified as 42-year-old James Samuel Atkins. Atkins was Vu’s husband.

Footage from the scene shows the front of the house was badly damaged during the incident.

The sheriff’s office is asking for the community’s support and strength in the days ahead as they mourn Cunningham.

“This is a tremendously tragic situation,” Henson said. “Our hearts are broken. You see us holding it together, but there is already heartache. There’s already tears.”

Cunningham started working for the sheriff’s department in 2020 and had been in the uniform patrol division for about two years. He graduated from Marietta High School in 2012, according to the Marietta Police Department.

He leaves behind two children.

“We have lost a hero,” Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge said during the press conference Saturday night. “As this community, as you always do, stand beside us, join behind us and hold us up, it’s going to be a tough time for all of us and all of our guys. I know what Paulding County is and I know the people here. I know what you’ll do. I ask that you please keep this family in your prayers.”

Flags were at half-staff in front of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office building on Sunday in honor of the slain deputy.

Gov. Brian Kemp released a statement on Cunningham’s death Sunday morning, writing in a post on X, “Marty, the girls, and I are heartbroken by the loss of Deputy Brandon Cunningham. We ask all Georgians to join us in praying for his family, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, and their fellow law enforcement during this painful time. May God give them comfort as they mourn.”

Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff also released a statement Sunday morning, saying, “I join all Georgians in grieving Paulding County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Cunningham, who lost his life serving our State in the line of duty. My prayers are with Deputy Cunningham’s family, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, and all law enforcement personnel who keep our communities safe.”

At this time, no funeral or memorial plans have been announced, but the sheriff’s office said more information will be released in the coming days.

The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is collecting donations on behalf of Cunningham’s family.

Copyright 2024 WANF via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.