ATLANTA — Dozens of law enforcement officers across many different agencies paid respects to fallen Paulding County Deputy Brandon Cunningham on Monday night, escorting his body in a procession from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation headquarters.
Deputy Cunningham was killed on Saturday while responding to a call in what authorities have described as an ambush.
Public Information Officer Maj. Ashley Henson shared more insight into the moments leading up to his death. Henson said as soon as Cunningham responded to a domestic dispute on Foggy Creek Lane in Hiram on Saturday, he was met with "pure evil."
"When Dep. Cunningham got out of his vehicle, within eight seconds of his arrival, he was gunned down," Henson said. "He never had a shot."
Col. Chad Hunton read a message from Cunningham's family at Monday's media briefing.
"The community love and support has been more overwhelming, and we are nothing but grateful," Hunton said. "I’ve been with them most of the day today. Just as they’re hurting, we’re hurting. So, I’m asking y’all, please keep them in prayer.”
Henson said Cunningham is the first deputy to die in the line of duty at the Paulding County Sheriff's Office since its inception. Sheriff Gary Gulledge said Cunningham loved gaming, the Braves and sneakers. He said the department feels empty without him.
"I wished I had 300 just like him, and I'd have a whole lot less problems here," Gulledge said.
The procession on Monday night left the GBI headquarters and traveled along I-20. You can watch the video above this story or another video the GBI shared below.
