Reactions pour in after Columbia County deputy’s shooting death

EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Days after a Columbia County deputy was killed and another was injured in a shooting on Interstate 20, reactions are still pouring in from state representatives and surrounding communities.

This comes amid physical tributes to slain Deputy Brandon Sikes – like a memorial along Interstate 20, a wreath at the sheriff’s headquarters and black ribbons over law enforcement badges.

Sikes was shot dead and Deputy Gavin White was shot in the face after they stopped James Blake Montgomery’s RV on I-20 near Belair Road and tried to serve him with a temporary protective order.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office posted a tribute Facebook on Monday morning.

“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,” the post stated.

“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,” the post continued, also quoting Psalms 34:18 and Matthew 5:9.

Here’s some of the other reaction:

Chairman Doug Duncan and the Columbia County Board of Commissioners:

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.

Grovetown Mayor Gary Jones:

As the Mayor of the city of Grovetown, and on behalf of our city, I wish to offer our thoughts and prayers for the families of the two Columbia County deputies that were shot this evening. One of those deputy’s has lost his life, paying the ultimate sacrifice, while serving the citizens of Columbia County.

Sheriff Clay Whittle and his entire agency will need our prayers and in the days ahead, as will the families of the deputies involved. Let’s also not forget to those deputies who were on duty and responded to this horrific scene and will have to live with the trauma.

The men and women of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office are still on duty and having to answer calls for service, even after this horrible event has transpired. That’s dedication, commitment and service.

Harlem Mayor Roxanne Whitaker:

I think many around our great county are waking up somber, but yet in disbelief in the events that took place last night where two of our Sheriff’s deputies were shot. One unfortunately ed away while the other is in critical condition at a nearby hospital. This act of violence has shaken our community, but it also brings us together as we mourn the loss and strengthens our of our men and women in blue whose task to protect leaves them vulnerable at times like this.

Please pray for the family, friends and colleagues of these two deputies as well as all our men and women who put their lives on the line daily to keep us safe and secure.

May God continue to bless Columbia County.

Columbia County Fire Rescue:

Tonight, we mourn alongside our brothers and sisters at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

We honor the sacrifice of the deputy who gave their life in the line of duty and stand in prayer for the deputy who continues to fight for theirs.

Columbia County Fire Rescue stands with CCSO — today, tomorrow, and always.

To the families, friends, and colleagues impacted by this loss: you are in our hearts. We are here for you.

Harlem Fire Department:

We echo the words of our response partners at Columbia County Fire Rescue in the wake of yesterday’s tragic events involving Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies on I-20 in Grovetown.

Flags at all city buildings have been lowered to half staff and will remain there until further notice.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office:

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 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.

Richmond County Marshal’s Office:

The Richmond County Marshal’s Office stands in deep mourning after learning that deputies were shot in the line of duty this evening, resulting in the tragic loss of one deputy’s life. We grieve with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the families affected by this terrible tragedy.

Every man and woman who puts on a uniform does so knowing the risks, yet bravely answers the call to protect and serve. Tonight reminds us all of the weight of that sacrifice.

On behalf of Marshal Ramone Lamkin and the entire Marshal’s Office, we offer our deepest prayers, our unwavering , and our heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of those impacted.

We ask our community to lift them up in prayer and to continue standing together in unity during this painful time.

Augusta Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency:

Tonight, we lift up the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office family, the families of the deputies, and the entire community in our prayers. Our hearts are with you during this unimaginable loss, and we continue to pray for healing for the deputy who remains hospitalized.

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson:

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.

Gov. Brian Kemp:

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.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones:

While protecting their community, a Columbia County sheriffs deputy lost his life in the line of duty and his fellow colleague was injured. Please Jan and I in keeping their families and loved ones, along with the entire Columbia County community, in our thoughts and prayers.

Our hearts are with these heroes in blue and all those who serve to keep us safe. They deserve our prayers and appreciation, along with our unwavering .

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr:

Our hearts break for those in Columbia County as we mourn the loss of a Sheriff’s Deputy and await updates on a second officer injured in the line of duty.

Anyone willing to put on the uniform every day in a job that’s not safe, with somebody waiting for them to come home at the end of the shift, deserves our unwavering and continued appreciation.

We in praying for the family of this fallen Deputy, his fellow officer, and all who served with him.

Georgia Department of Public Safety:

On behalf of our agency, we extend our deepest condolences to Sheriff Clay Whittle and the entire Columbia County Sheriff’s Office on the tragic loss of Deputy Brandon Sikes, who was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop on April 26, 2025. Our thoughts are also with Deputy Gavin White as he recovers from his injuries. We honor their service and sacrifice, and we stand in solidarity with their families, colleagues, and the Columbia County community during this difficult time.

Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff:

I all Georgians in grieving Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Sikes, whose life was taken this weekend serving our State in the line of duty, and I wish Sheriff’s Deputy Gavin White a full recovery from his injuries.

My prayers are with Deputy Sikes’ and Deputy White’s families, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and all law enforcement personnel who keep our communities safe.

Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams:

Today, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office s countless others in mourning alongside the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office as they endure an unimaginable loss. We are heartbroken to hear of the tragic ing of one of their deputies and the critical injury of another.

To the families, friends, and colleagues of these brave deputies — please know that you are not alone in your grief. Our entire department stands with you in this time of sorrow, offering our prayers, our strength, and our unwavering .

Law enforcement is a brotherhood and sisterhood unlike any other. When one agency hurts, we all hurt. We honor the ultimate sacrifice made in service to the community, and we are lifting up the injured deputy, praying for a full and swift recovery.

May we never forget the courage and commitment these deputies showed. And may we always to lift up and care for one another — today and every day.

Waynesboro Police Department:

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.

McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office:

Sheriff Logan Marshall and the entire staff of the McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office express our heartfelt condolences to Sheriff Clay Whittle and the entire Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the family of Deputy Brandon Sikes who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Continued prayes for Deputy Gavin White. Prayers of comfort and strength in the days ahead! Life is so unpredictable and so precious!

Thomson Police Department:

TPD sends our and prayers to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office:

The Sheriff and staff of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the family of Deputy Brandon Sikes. We are praying for you! We are also praying for Deputy Gavin White and his family as he struggles to overcome his injuries and for the other Deputies involved in this tragic incident.

Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran:

Sheriff Joel Cochran and the entire Washington County Sheriff’s Office extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and brothers and sisters in blue of the fallen Columbia County Deputy who gave the ultimate sacrifice on yesterday.

We also ask everyone to lift up in prayer the Deputy who was seriously injured and remains in the hospital. Our hearts are with them, their families, and the entire Columbia County Sheriff’s Office family during this unimaginably difficult time.

We stand with Columbia County Sheriff’s Office… Our hearts break for them as they lost one of their own in the line of duty last night. Our thoughts and prayers remain strong with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the deputies, and their families during this difficult and tragic time.

Screven County Sheriff’s Office:

We are heartbroken and lifting up the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and our neighbors in Columbia County in prayer. Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen, the entire Sheriff’s Office, and everyone mourning this tragic loss. We honor their service and sacrifice, and we are keeping them close in prayer during the difficult days ahead.

Glascock County Sheriff Jeremy Kelley:

We are keeping the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the families of the deputies involved in today’s shooting in our thoughts and prayers. One deputy is hospitalized in unknown condition, and tragically, one has ed away.

We also send strength and prayers to the officers actively searching for the suspect.

Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office:

Our deepest condolences to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deputy who tragically lost his life in the line of duty yesterday on I-20. We honor his service, sacrifice, and dedication to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the injured deputy, and we lift prayers of healing for a full and swift recovery. May you all find strength and comfort in the days ahead.

Wilkes County GA Emergency Services:

We send our deepest condolences to the Columbia County Officers family and loved ones. One officer has been killed and another shot on I-20. We are praying for his recovery. The area of the shooting is near exit 194 and ALL lanes of I-20 are closed until further notice. The suspect is no longer a threat according to the Augusta News Media.

PHOTO GALLERY: DEPUTIES SHOT IN COLUMBIA COUNTY:

Aiken County Sheriff’s Office:

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 - Appling, GA and their families as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy.

North Augusta Public Safety:

North Augusta Public Safety sends our thoughts and prayers to the men and women of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office - Appling, GA and their families as they deal with this tragedy.

New Ellenton Police Department:

Our hearts go out to our blue family in Columbia County Georgia, we stand with you in this tragic incident.

Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office:

The thoughts and prayers of the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office are with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office as they mourn the tragic loss of one of their brave officers and another recovering from injuries. This painful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect our communities touches us all deeply.

We stand in prayer seeking comfort for the families, colleagues, and the entire law enforcement community during this heartbreaking time. Our God reassures us in Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

McCormick County Sheriff’s Office:

Please us as we pray for the families of the deputies who were involved in the incident in Columbia County (GA) yesterday. Unfortunately, one of our brothers in blue lost his life in the line of duty and another brother critically injured. Also, please lift up Sheriff Whittle and the entire Columbia County Sheriff’s Office staff as they mourn and begin to heal.

Barnwell Police Department:

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.

Burnnettown Police Department:

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.

Allendale Police Department:

Prayers for the two deputy’s in Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Gold Cross EMS:

We at Gold Cross EMS are praying for our brothers and sisters at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

We honor the sacrifice of the deputy who tragically loss their life working to keep our community safe and we are praying for the deputy who was injured.

God bless the families, friends, colleagues, and our community impacted by this loss. #ColumbiaCountyStrong

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