Who was Pradeep Tamang? The inspiring life of the Gwinnett officer killed in ‘unprovoked attack’

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Gwinnett County Police Senior Officer Pradeep Tamang is being remembered for a life defined by rapid academic achievement and an unwavering dedication to public service.

Family and friends gathered Thursday at Cross Pointe Church on Satellite Boulevard in Duluth for a prayer vigil.

Who is Officer Pradeep Tamang?

What we know:

Wearing Badge 2741, he graduated from the Gwinnett County Police Academy in May 2025, fully realizing his dream of serving the community.

According to department records, he "absolutely loved being a police officer and took great pride in his work."

Colleagues noted that Tamang was always excited to share stories from the field and genuinely looked forward to his shifts. "Serving and protecting the community meant a lot to him," the department stated.

Born on April 8, 2000, in a refugee camp in Jhapa, Nepal, Tamang resettled in the United States in 2008. He quickly distinguished himself as a "bright, ambitious, and intelligent young man with a deep passion for learning." He decided early on to dedicate his life to public service.

Tamang's accomplishments

Timeline:

His academic path was marked by an accelerated pace:

• 2019: Graduated from Akron Early College High School with both a diploma and an Associate Degree in Arts.
• 2021: Earned a bachelor’s degree in National Security from the University of Akron.
• 2023: Completed a Master of Arts in Political Science in Security Studies.

Before joining the Gwinnett County Police Department, Tamang worked as a private investigator and a correctional officer at Dauphin County Prison.

Beyond the badge

Dig deeper:

While Tamang was dedicated to his current role, his ambitions extended toward further service and education. He had plans to pursue a PhD, serve in the military, and eventually enter the world of politics.

Outside his professional life, Tamang was known for his curiosity and a wide range of personal interests. He was a fan of video games, reading, and building new things. He had a particular fondness for animals, harboring a dream to one day open an animal sanctuary.

"Though his life was far too short, Pradeep lived with purpose, ambition, and heart," the department shared. "His dedication, kindness, and dreams will always be remembered."

'We're hurting inside'

What they're saying:

The vigil at Cross Pointe Church served as a somber prelude to the final honors scheduled for this weekend. Gov. Brian Kemp has ordered flags to fly at half-staff on Saturday, the same day Tamang’s funeral service and procession are set to begin.

"For him to come here and die like this is so heartbreaking," said family friend Bikash Chhetri.

Those who knew Tamang described him as a man of immense passion and peace. Chhetri recalled that Tamang "had that outlook of a person who was very peaceful in nature," adding that "he had a great smile. Great personality, great outlook on the future."

The department is still reeling from the loss of one of its youngest officers.

"We're hurting, you know, we're hurting inside," said Gwinnett County Jail Warden Darrell Johnson. "But we know that when we take this job what could happen."

Tamang leaves behind a 22-year-old fiancée. Chhetri, who has been with the family, noted the toll the loss has taken. "She has been crying day in and day out," he said. "I feel like she’s putting on a brave face."

As the community prepares for Saturday’s services, those who spoke at the vigil said the best way to honor Tamang is to emulate his dedication to others.

"I think that's how we have to live our life," Chhetri said. "Always, looking to serve. Looking to help other people. I think that's his legacy. And we need to follow through."

‘Unprovoked attack’

The backstory:

Tamang was one of two officers shot while responding to the Holiday Inn Express along East Park Place Boulevard off U.S. 78 near Stone Mountain. 

According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, he and Master Police Officer David Reed were shot in an "unprovoked attack" by 35-year-old Kevin Andrews, who investigators say used a fake credit card to book a room. 

The officers were attempting to take Andrews into custody on outstanding warrants. Officers returned fire, striking Andrews, who survived. 

MPO Reed underwent surgery; doctors say he is making excellent progress in his recovery.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Celebration of life

What's next:

A public celebration of life will be held on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. for Officer Pradeep Tamang at 12Stone Church located at 1322 Buford Highway. An overflow lot will be opened at GateCity Church located on Calvin Davis Circle.