Tragedy struck the small town of Hiram, Georgia, as Paulding County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Cunningham was brutally murdered in an ambush while responding to a routine domestic dispute call. The senseless act of violence claimed the life of a dedicated 30-year-old law enforcement officer and father of two, leaving his family, colleagues, and community devastated.
Deputy Cunningham, a true hero who put his life on the line to protect others, was met with a barrage of gunfire as soon as he and another deputy arrived at the scene around 6:15 PM on Saturday. The deputies were ambushed the moment they opened their patrol car doors, with the assailant unleashing a hail of bullets that tragically struck Cunningham before he even had a chance to assess the situation.
“This was nothing short of an execution,” Paulding County Sheriff’s Major Ashley Henson stated bluntly. “Our deputies walked into a trap, and it cost us one of our finest. He was a great deputy; a good young man.”
The loss was palpable as Sheriff Gary Gulledge addressed the media, his voice heavy with emotion. “You’re going to have to bear with me a sec,” Gulledge said, struggling to contain his grief. “Tonight, we lost a hero. Deputy Cunningham succumbed to a gunshot wound at the emergency room over here at [WellStar] Paulding [Medical Center].”
In a heartfelt plea, Sheriff Gulledge urged the community to come together in this time of sorrow. “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. 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.”
The Paulding County Sheriff’s Department took to Facebook to announce the tragic news, in a post titled “Paulding Deputy Killed in Ambush While Responding to Domestic Dispute.” The department revealed the harrowing details of the attack, explaining how the relentless gunfire from the suspect prevented fellow officers from reaching Cunningham to render aid. The cowardly assailant was later found dead inside the home from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, ending the standoff.
The senseless ambush wasn’t limited to law enforcement. Initial reports indicated that a female victim was also shot in the chaos. Authorities later confirmed that the woman, Kim Thao Vu, 52, was the suspect’s wife. Vu was trying to flee the home after Cunningham was shot but was also targeted by her husband. She was rushed to an Atlanta-area hospital, where she remains in stable but serious condition.
As the community reels from this horrific event, the focus now turns to honoring the life and service of Deputy Brandon Cunningham. His sacrifice is a stark reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day, putting their lives on the line to keep us safe.
In the coming days, as the investigation continues and the community gathers to mourn, one thing is certain: Deputy Cunningham’s legacy as a protector and hero will not be forgotten. His death is a devastating loss, but it serves as a rallying cry for those who believe in law and order, justice, and the unwavering support of those who wear the badge.
