Paulding County deputy killed during violent call, gunman dead

HIRAM, Ga. - Paulding County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Cunningham was killed, and a woman was injured during a domestic dispute call in Hiram which turned violent. The gunman was later found in the home in which he was barricaded, dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

Deputies were called out shortly before 6:15 p.m. on Saturday to a home in the Harmony Creek subdivision off Bill Carruth Parkway near Virgie Ballentine Drive in Hiram.

Anyone who would like to donate monetarily to Deputy Cunningham’s family, can do so through Paulding Public Safety Appreciation, Inc. (PPSA). PPSA is a 501(c)3 non-profit; all donations are tax-deductible. PPSA President Jaid Ison can be reached at info@pauldingpsa.org or 706-622-7011.

Deputy Brandon Cunningham remembered: ‘Tonight, we lost a hero’

The sheriff delivered the grim news about the first in-the-line-of-duty death the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office has ever experienced. 

"You're going to have to bear with me a sec..." Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge said, stepping in front of reporters at around 10:45 p.m. to deliver the heartbreaking news. "I want to let y'all know that tonight, we lost a hero. Deputy Cunningham succumbed to a gunshot wound at the emergency room over here at [WellStar] Paulding [Medical Center]." 

"I ask that this community, as you always do, to join behind us, stand beside us, and hold us up. It's going to be a tough time for all of us and all of our guys," the sheriff added, fighting back tears. "I know what Paulding County is, and I know the people here. I know what you'll do. I ask that you keep this family in your prayers. Everybody, even if you're not in this county, I ask that you pray for this family – Both blood and blue."

Deputy Brandon Cunningham was just 30 years old. He had been with the sheriff's office since 2020.

He was assigned to the uniformed patrol division about two years ago.

"He was a great deputy; a good young man," the major said.

A photo posted to the sheriff's office Facebook page shows Deputy Cunningham graduating from the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy Basic Mandate Class No. 339 on April 29, 2022. 

Around this time last year, another post celebrated the deputy winning tickets to an Atlanta Braves game as part of the Paulding Cops for Kids, Inc. Christmas shopping program. 

He leaves behind two children. 

Sheriff Gulledge said he was overwhelmed with support from fellow sheriffs and law enforcement from across the state. He did have one request: 

"Y'all please remember the Cunningham family in your prayers. Don't go to bed without saying one for them for our office if you would please," the sheriff asked.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are posting on various social media platforms, calling for prayers for the Paulding County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff says this is the first in-the-line of duty death it has experienced in its entire history.

Deputy, woman shot at Hiram home: ‘Our deputies were ambushed’

According to the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, two deputies responded shortly before 6:15 p.m. on Saturday to a home along Foggy Creek Lane and were met with gunfire immediately upon opening their patrol car doors. More deputies soon arrived at the scene and were also shot at from the home. 

At some point, Deputy Cunningham was shot and rushed to an area hospital where he died.

"It appears our deputies were ambushed," Paulding County Sheriff's Major Ashley Henson described, adding that responding deputies described the gunfire as "raining" down on them.

Investigators soon learned a woman had left the home and returned, only to be discovered with a gunshot wound.

She was rushed to an area hospital. As of 10:45 p.m., the woman was listed in critical but stable condition.

Hiram shooting prompts standoff: ‘Hundreds of law enforcement officers’

SWAT teams moved into the neighborhood to assist. Agencies from all over the state of Georgia responded once they learned about the deputy being shot.

"There are hundreds of law enforcement here, or just left the scene," the major said.

FOX 5 crews observed representatives from multiple police agencies, including the Georgia State Patrol, Floyd County Sheriff's Office, Cobb County Sheriff's Office, Fulton County Sheriff's Office, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Powder Springs Police Department, and the Cobb County Police Department.  

Multiple BearCats, tactical armored security vehicles, were brought in to protect individuals at the scene. 

Gunman found dead inside Hiram home

A SWAT team would later enter the home located along Foggy Creek Lane and find a man, whose name had not yet been released, dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

"We will have more information forthcoming about the individual that was involved in this situation," the major said.

Details about the entry into the home were not revealed late Saturday.

Residents were seen returning to their homes early Sunday morning. Many of the surrounding homes were evacuated during the standoff.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been asked to investigate the incident.

Paulding County Sheriff's Deputy killed in the line of duty: Georgia leaders issue heartfelt statements

Condolences for the family poured out as Georgia leaders learned about the tragedy that unfolded Saturday night.

Gov. Brian Kemp released the following statement on behalf of his family.

"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."

Sen. Jon Ossoff also released a heartfelt statement on Sunday:

"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."

This story is developing. Check back for details. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.