Gunfire Erupts Near CDC Headquarters in Atlanta: Police Officer and Shooter Dead
ATLANTA — A deadly shooting unfolded on Friday near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters and Emory University campus, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and the suspected shooter. The incident has left the CDC community shaken amid ongoing challenges for the public health agency.
DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, 33, who joined the force last September, was fatally shot while responding to an active shooter report near the CDC’s Roybal Campus. Law enforcement officers engaged with the heavily armed suspect on the roof of a CVS located at Emory Point, adjacent to the CDC, in an exchange of gunfire. The suspect was later found dead, with authorities suggesting the possibility of self-inflicted gunshot wounds[3][4].
The shooting occurred at multiple CDC buildings with bullet holes reported in windows, including the offices housing top agency leadership. The CDC campus was placed on lockdown that lasted several hours, with over 90 children safely accounted for in the onsite daycare[1]. Susan Monarez, the CDC director who was sworn in only the week prior, emphasized that the agency is cooperating fully with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities in the ongoing investigation. She reassured that, “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of everyone at CDC”[1].
Atlanta Police Department confirmed that no further threats remain after the shooter was neutralized. Emory University also imposed and then lifted a shelter-in-place order amid the incident. The university advised the community to “RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.” during the active shooter situation, which escalated near the Emory Point CVS close to the CDC headquarters[2].
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed gratitude toward first responders who confronted the shooter to protect the public and urged prayers for the victims involved. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr echoed sentiments of horror and concern for campus safety. The White House continues to monitor developments closely[2].
The shooting arrives at a fraught time for the CDC, which has faced considerable turmoil stemming from federal budget cuts, layoffs, policy changes, and growing politicization of public health measures. Critics have also raised alarms that recent staffing and funding reductions, particularly in divisions addressing gun violence prevention, might undermine key public health efforts[1].
Authorities are investigating the shooter’s background and motive as the multijurisdictional investigation proceeds. The community remains vigilant and united in the aftermath of the tragic event, underscoring the urgent national conversation around gun violence and public safety at critical federal institutions.
Helen Branswell and Chelsea Cirruzzo contributed to this report.