Community mourning Paulding County deputy killed Saturday night
ATLANTA - Paulding County Deputy Brandon Cunningham was tragically killed in the line of duty on Saturday night while responding to a domestic dispute in Paulding County. Authorities report that Cunningham and other deputies were ambushed by 42-year-old James Adkins as they arrived at the scene.
"When they got there, they were met with ... evil. When Deputy Cunningham got to his vehicle, within eight seconds of his arrival, he was gunned down. He never had a shot. He never had an opportunity to do anything," Major Ashley Henson said during a press conference on Monday afternoon. "What happened to Brandon that day was pure evil."
The incident occurred at a home on Foggy Creek Lane in the Harmony Creek subdivision in Hiram. As Deputy Cunningham exited his patrol car, Adkins reportedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy. Adkins then shot his wife, 52-year-old Kim Thao Vu, before turning the gun on himself. The suspect died at the scene, while Thao Vu survived the shooting and remains in critical condition.
This is the first deputy killed in the line of duty in the 190-year history of the Paulding County Sheriff's Office.
"Unfortunately, we prepare for this. But, are you truly prepared?" Paulding County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Col. Chad Hunton asked. "No."
ORIGINAL STORY: Paulding County deputy killed during violent call, gunman dead
Deputy Brandon Cunningham (Credit: Paulding County Sheriff's Office)
Deputy Brandon Cunningham's family receives community support
In the wake of this tragedy, the focus has shifted to supporting Deputy Cunningham’s family.
A somber mood hangs over the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, where flags are flying at half-staff and a lone sheriff’s vehicle draped in black is parked out front in honor of the fallen deputy.
"We want to show respect, and we ought to show respect for the men and women who stand in law enforcement," Linda Queen told FOX 5's Deidra Dukes. Queen made wreaths for the memorial. "I am thankful they are there for us and I hope this never happens again in our county."
Cunningham's family visited the memorial outside the sheriff's office on Monday morning, where many have come to pay their respects, leaving flowers, wreaths, and other mementos.
Fighting back tears, Col. Chad Hunton spoke on behalf of the family at the press conference: "The community's love and support has been more overwhelming, and we are nothing but grateful."
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Community members, even those who did not know Deputy Cunningham personally, have expressed their heartbreak and solidarity with his family and law enforcement colleagues.
Linda and Tom Bohnn were among the steady stream of mourners visiting the sheriff's office Monday.
"We want to honor him, his life, and his service. We pray for his family that they can find peace. God bless them," the Bohnn's said.
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Douglas Pitts drove in from LaGrange to express his support.
"Support to the officers of this community," Pitts explained. "Let them know people are behind them and people are praying for them."
Paulding County Deputy Brandon Cunningham family fundraiser
A fundraising effort has been launched to support Cunningham’s family, including his wife and two young children.
Law enforcement officials warned the public that there may be scammers attempting to benefit from this tragedy. The only official, approved place for donations is here.
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Paulding County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Cunningham funeral arrangements
Cunningham's body will be transported from the GBI headquarters to Clark's Funeral Home in Hiram sometime between 8 and 9 p.m. Monday night, for anyone who wants to line the streets and pay their respects.
The visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Friday with the funeral following at 2 p.m. at West Ridge Church located at 3522 Hiram Acworth Highway in Dallas.
The service will be managed by Clark Funeral Home.
Afterward, family, friends and Paulding County personnel will head to Kennesaw Memorial Park for a private burial.
FULL PRESS CONFERENCE
Paulding Co. Sheriff's Office gives emotional update on deputy death
The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office held press conference Monday afternoon covering the details regarding the in the line of duty death of Deputy Brandon Cunningham. They talked about the shooting, Cunningham's impact and funeral plans.