Forsyth Deputy Shot in Courthouse Shooting Makes First Statement

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Deputy Deputy Daniel Rush continues to recover from injuries suffered during the June 6 attack of the Forsyth County Courthouse.

Sheriff Duane Piper called his deputy, credited for first confronting a Cumming man who was attacking the courthouse that Friday morning, “a hero.”

"From watching the video several times now, [Daniel Rush] averted what would have been a whole lot more deaths," Piper said at the time.

Rush was working the doorway of the courthouse when Dennis Marx drove his SUV up to the courthouse. Heavily armed, Marx tossed out homemade smoke grenades, pepper spray grenades and spike sticks as he approached the courthouse.

Rush was the first to confront Marx, who shot the deputy in the leg. Other officers responded and after a nearly three-minute gun battle, the suspect was killed.

Rush was recently moved from the hospital to a rehab facility where he is working on recovering from a gunshot wound. Rush underwent two surgeries in as many weeks and is expected to make a full recovery. Rush has requested privacy from the media as he focuses on his recovery, however he issued the following statement on Wednesday:

“I am forever grateful to my family at the Sheriff's Office who helped pull me to safety, render first aid and neutralize the situation at the courthouse, all under the stress of active gunfire. Their actions certainly prevented further harm and damage to me and others. The cards, visitors and well wishes from friends and strangers have helped me overcome many obstacles I faced over the past several weeks and will keep me motivated while I focus on my recovery. The care I received from my co-workers, EMS and the medical staff at North Fulton Hospital has been exceptional. It was comforting to see the quick response from all the first responders and surrounding agencies who all helped manage this situation. I am anxious to get back to work as soon as I am healthy enough to return.”

See Also:

Local Restaurants Donating Proceeds to Injured Forsyth Deputy

Forsyth Sheriff: Marx Wanted to Attach Bombs to Hostages

Courthouse Shooting: Forsyth Deputy Hailed as a 'Hero'