A quiet Saturday evening on Interstate 20 near Columbia County turned into a scene of tragedy when Deputy Brandon Sekes of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office was fatally shot while attempting to serve a protective order. The incident, which unfolded around 6:30 p.m. near Exit 194, has left the law enforcement community and local residents in mourning, marking yet another painful reminder of the dangers officers face in the line of duty.
Deputy Sekes, alongside two fellow deputies, was carrying out what should have been a standard procedure—serving a Temporary Protective Order to 36-year-old James Blake Montgomery. Such orders are routinely issued to protect individuals from potential harm, and officers are trained to approach these situations with caution. However, without any apparent provocation or warning, Montgomery allegedly opened fire, striking Sekes in what authorities have described as an ambush-style attack. Despite immediate medical intervention, Sekes succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a devastated family, colleagues, and a community that revered him as a dedicated public servant.
The suspect, Montgomery, was swiftly apprehended at the scene after an exchange of gunfire with the remaining deputies. He now faces multiple charges, including the murder of a law enforcement officer, though official charges are still being finalized as the investigation continues. Early reports suggest that Montgomery had a prior criminal history, though the exact motives behind this violent act remain under scrutiny. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken the lead in the case, working closely with local authorities to piece together the events that led to this senseless loss.
Deputy Sekes had been with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office for several years, earning a reputation as a dependable and compassionate officer. Colleagues remember him not just for his professionalism but for his unwavering commitment to the community he served. Sheriff Clay Whittle, visibly shaken during a press conference, described Sekes as “one of the finest men to wear the badge,” emphasizing that his death leaves a void that cannot be filled.
The tragedy has reignited conversations about the risks law enforcement officers face daily, even during what many would consider routine calls. Protective orders, while critical for public safety, often place officers in unpredictable and volatile situations. Nationwide, incidents of violence against officers serving court orders have prompted calls for enhanced protective measures, though no policy changes can undo the loss of a life like Sekes’.
Community members have begun organizing vigils and memorials to honor Deputy Sekes, with an outpouring of support for his family and fellow officers. Local businesses have pledged donations to assist his loved ones, while social media has been flooded with tributes from those who knew him personally or were touched by his service.
As the investigation progresses, more details will likely emerge about the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event. For now, Columbia County—and the broader law enforcement community—mourns a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. The legacy of Deputy Brandon Sekes will endure not just in the memory of his bravery, but in the collective resolve to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
Funeral arrangements are pending, with plans for a full law enforcement honor guard ceremony to give Sekes the farewell he deserves. In the meantime, authorities urge anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward, as they work to deliver justice for a man who spent his life upholding it.