Dalton Swanger GoFundMe raises over $100,000 as Knox County deputy injured after live TV assault provides recovery update

Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Dalton Swanger made national headlines when he was violently attacked and critically injured on a live television broadcast. Since the July incident, a GoFundMe page has raised more than $100,000 for Swanger and his family.

Swanger was a devoted deputy in Knoxville, Tennessee. He reportedly responded to a shots-fired call the morning of June 21, 2025 on Stanley Road.

The camera was rolling while Dalton Swanger was confronted and recorded the violence with which he was hit in the head with a large rock or brick according to the cops. The video was captured on the police reality show On Patrol: Live.

"The next thing I remember was an overwhelming pain in my head. I saw what looked like a green starburst, my body completely locked up, and I fell. I couldn’t move," he said in a recent statement.

"I keep hearing and reading ignorant comments coming from both the left and some on the right."

Knox County Sheriff Deputy Dalton Swanger was hit in the head with a rock on live TV on June 21st, 2025 and was admitted to the Trauma ICU in critical condition, placed in a drug… https://t.co/CMLUxYgeGf pic.twitter.com/ah4I3AIjhL

— Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) July 12, 2025

According to WBIR News, the attack, which was supposedly carried out by suspect Christopher Hensley, left Swanger fighting for his life and caused law enforcement and emergency medical teams to swarm the place.

Swanger was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office said, where he was put in a medically induced coma because of a depressed skull fracture, cerebral contusions and other serious injuries.

The emotional impact of his story has helped generate support for a GoFundMe organized by Blue Line Tennessee Inc. Funds raised will supposedly help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other immediate needs for Dalton Swanger and his family.

"Blue Line Tennessee has set up this GoFundMe to help alleviate the financial burden due to unable to work his second jobs, family missing work and unforeseen expenses," the campaign read.

As other police officers, residents and fans of the television show flocked to the GoFundMe page with donations; it eventually passed the $100,000 mark.

A look into Dalton Swanger's response to the donations and support

Weeks later, Swanger released an emotional statement thanking his co-workers, medical team, family and the strangers who had supported him throughout his recovery.

"First, I want to start by thanking each and every one of you who stood by me through this experience," he said according to WBIR News.

Update on Deputy Dalton Swanger from Knox County Sheriff's Department in Knoxville, TN #oplive #OPNation pic.twitter.com/NLfc023kDO

— Mike Biddle | biddle.eth (@ActorMikeBiddle) July 13, 2025

He also thanked his girlfriend Stephania for remaining with him during the experience, and his belief in God for giving him the courage he needed to stay strong in his darkest times. Swanger said he has been committed to going back to the job that he calls his dream since childhood.

"To Stephania, my girlfriend — you stood by my side with unwavering strength. You had no obligation to be there, especially as much as you were... And as long as God allows me to do this job, I will continue to do it with everything I have," Dalton Swanger added.

Suspect Christopher Hensley has since been arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault on a first responder.