Local reaction to Columbia County Deputies killed, injured
(WJBF) – Reaction to this weekend's tragedy in Columbia County is pouring in from across the state of Georgia.
On Saturday, one deputy was killed and another critically injured after a shootout on I-20 near Exit 194. James Blake Montgomery is the man police say is dead after he opened fire on three officers. It happened while being served a Temporary Protective Order during a traffic stop.
Deputy Brandon Sikes was shot and killed in the incident. Deputy Gavin White was shot in the face. He is currently in critical condition.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office posted,
'Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of Deputy Brandon Sikes, who was killed in the line of duty. We stand with Brandon's wife Amber, their daughter Lyndsey and their families. 'Lord comfort them and wrap your loving arms around them.' We also continue to pray for Deputy Gavin White, who was critically injured and is continuing to recover and improve in the hospital with his fiancé Hayley Sward by his side. We take comfort in the words of Psalm 34:18: 'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.' Please join us in praying for the families, friends and colleagues who are grieving and for the full healing of our wounded hero. We are profoundly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support, prayers and assistance from neighboring law enforcement agencies, first responders and our community. Your strength and solidarity remind us that we are never alone in these dark hours. May God grant us peace, heal our broken hearts and continue to watch over all those who protect and serve.
'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.' Matthew 5:9
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp shared on X,
Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones and colleagues of the Columbia County sheriffs deputy that has fallen in the line of duty, as well as his fellow law enforcement officer injured tonight while protecting his fellow Georgians. As they remain in our hearts and prayers, we're also painfully reminded of why those who wear a badge have more than earned our enduring respect and appreciation.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson stated, 'Heartbroken and praying for the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and our neighbors in Columbia County. Our prayers are with the families of the fallen, the entire Sheriff's Office, and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss. We honor their sacrifice and pray for the difficult days ahead.'
The Richmond County Sheriff's Office stated on Facebook:
Today is a very sad day for the CSRA. Sheriff Gino Brantley and the entire Richmond County Sheriff's Office offer condolences to the friends, family, and brothers in blue for their fallen Deputy. We also ask everyone for your prayers and support for the Deputy in the hospital. Matthew 5:9 states, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.' This verse from the Bible's Sermon on the Mount highlights the importance of peacemaking and identifies those who actively work towards reconciliation and harmony as being blessed and recognized as God's children. We have been and will continue to be by their side as needed.
The City of Barnwell Police Department released a statement, saying, 'Barnwell Police Department is praying for the two Columbia County Sheriff's Deputies and their families. To the one that was sadly taken from their family and to the one still fighting for their life. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and their Department. We got your six rest easy and prayers of healing. We pray that the suspect will be found and justice will be served.'
The Waynesboro Police Department also released a statement, reading, 'This evening the hearts of the men and women at the Waynesboro Police Department are with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the family of the deputy sheriff who was killed by gunfire, as well as the second deputy who was wounded today while attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 20. Please keep these deputies' families, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, and the community in your prayers.'
The Burnettown Police Department stated, 'This evening our hearts are with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the family of the deputy sheriff who was killed by gunfire, as well as the second deputy who was wounded today while attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 20. Please keep these deputies' families, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, and the community in your prayers.'
The Wagener Police Department stated on Facebook, 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Columbia County Sheriffs Office tonight. We pray for healing for the deputy's family and loved ones. We are also praying for the healing of the injured Deputy.'
The Aiken County Sheriff's Office's stated, 'Hearts are heavy throughout the Law Enforcement community as we are a brotherhood no matter where our jurisdictional lines may keep us, we are all bound with a commitment to protect and serve others. Sheriff Sawyer and the men and women of the Aiken County Sheriff's Office sends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and their families as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy.'
Sheriff Gino Brantley stated on Facebook:
'This afternoon, a Columbia County Deputy was shot and killed in the line of duty, and another Deputy was seriously wounded and remains in the hospital fighting for recovery. I was there alongside Sheriff Clay Whittle and many others as these tragic events unfolded, and my heart is simply broken for the Deputies, their families, their brothers and sisters in uniform, and the entire Columbia County Sheriff's Office family. No words can truly capture the level of loss we are all feeling right now. The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond Columbia County — it is deeply felt by every law enforcement officer across the CSRA and beyond. We are a family, bound by a commitment to protect and serve others, and when one of our own is lost, we all grieve together. I humbly ask everyone to join me in praying for the family and loved ones of the fallen Deputy, for the Deputy who remains in the hospital, and for the entire Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Matthew 5:9 reminds us, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.' Today, we mourn a true peacemaker who gave everything in service to others. Please keep them all in your hearts during this difficult time. We will continue to stand with Columbia County in the days, weeks, and months ahead. They are not alone.'
Chairman Doug Duncan and the Board of Commissioners released a statement:
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Brandon Sikes, who was tragically killed in the line of duty while serving Columbia County. Officer Sikes exemplified the highest standards of bravery and dedication, making the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. We also ask for your continued thoughts and prayers for Officer Gavin White as he fights for his recovery. We honor their extraordinary commitment and courage and are forever indebted to them for their service. We will never forget the sacrifices made in the pursuit of safety and justice.
Augusta Prep stated on Facebook:
'We at Augusta Prep are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes, who was killed in action Saturday night. Since May 2023, Deputy Sikes has been part of the rotation of deputies dedicated to protecting Augusta Prep's students, families, faculty, and staff throughout the school year. We are profoundly grateful for his service – and for the ongoing commitment of all Columbia County Deputies – to the safety of our community.'
As Head of School Eric Hedinger shared, 'Deputy Sikes exemplified the dedication and care that makes a difference in the lives of those he served. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office during this difficult time. We are also keeping Deputy Gavin White, who was also shot Saturday night, close in our hearts. We will share ways to support the Sikes family as more information becomes available. We will honor Deputy Sikes by flying the American flag at half-mast, starting Monday.'
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