OFFICER KILLED BY DOMESTIC TERRORIST

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On June 27, 2025, a Phillips County deputy responded to a report of illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks being detonated at 899 1st Street, Phillipsburg. 

On June 27, 2025, a Phillips County deputy responded to a report of illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks being detonated at 899 1st Street, Phillipsburg. June 27, 2025, a Phillips County deputy responded to a report of illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks being detonated at 899 1st Street, Phillipsburg. 

The deputy was Undersheriff Brandon Gaede, age 30. 

The suspect was Kolton Griffith, age 27, who lived at that address. 

According to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, which is handling the investigation at the request of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (due to a potential conflict of interest), the sequence was:

  • The deputy established probable cause to arrest Griffith. 

  • As the deputy tried handcuffing, a struggle ensued. Griffith drew a concealed firearm and opened fire. 

  • The deputy, although wounded, returned fire and struck Griffith multiple times, killing him at the scene. 

  • Gaede was transported to a hospital but was pronounced dead at 10:24 p.m. 

In the subsequent search of Griffith’s residence, investigators found over 33 pounds of explosive materials, including ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, and blasting caps. They also recovered 20+ firearms and a large stockpile of ammunition. 

There is no indication reported so far that Griffith had specifically targeted Gaede in advance. The confrontation appears to have escalated when an arrest was attempted. 

The case will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney when the investigation is complete. 

Gaede is memorialized on the Officer Down Memorial Page, where his service and end-of-watch are recorded. 

The Associated Press published a summary of the incident: Gaede died at hospital; Griffith died at the scene; the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.