Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says the Saturday night gun down of Sheriff's Deputies trying to serve a protective order in a domestic violence case is a "painful reminder" of the respect and appreciation law enforcement has earned.
The Governor's Statement on X Sunday says he and his family are praying for the critically wounded Columbia County Deputy and the young wife -- now a widow -- of the one who died at the scene of the shootout.
A third deputy, shot at but missed, says James Blake Montgomery seemed to be cooperative when they pulled his motorhome over on I-20 near Augusta Saturday night. But when they turned away, Montgomery pulled a gun -- described as "fully automatic" -- and started shooting.
Others who had arrived as backup returned fire. Montgomery was found dead in the driver's seat, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine whether he had shot himself.
Investigators say more guns were found in the vehicle along with pipe bombs, one of them rigged with a remote detonator switch.
