Police Officer and Suspected Gunman Dead After Shooting Near CDC in Atlanta
A shooting near the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta on Friday left a police officer and the suspected gunman dead, triggering an intense law enforcement response and heightened security in the area. The incident also impacted nearby Emory University, though no other injuries were reported.
According to authorities, the attack damaged several CDC buildings and prompted temporary lockdowns in the surrounding community. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.
Incident Overview
The shooting began outside the CDC’s Roybal Campus, a major hub for public health research and disease control in the United States. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that the suspected gunman fired multiple rounds, striking windows in at least four buildings on the campus.
CDC Director Susan Monarez confirmed the damage in a post on X (formerly Twitter) and noted that thousands of employees work on-site. Photos shared by staff showed multiple bullet holes in office windows.
The gunman, armed with a long gun, was later located in a building across the street from the CDC complex. Authorities also recovered three additional firearms from the scene. Schierbaum said it is unclear whether the suspect died from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.
Victim Identified as Officer David Rose
The DeKalb County Police Department identified the slain officer as David Rose, a former U.S. Marine who graduated from the DeKalb Police Academy earlier this year.
“This evening, there is a wife without a husband. There are three children, one unborn, without a father,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson in an emotional statement.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised Officer Rose’s service and sacrifice, noting that his commitment to public safety reflected the highest standards of law enforcement.
Eyewitness Accounts
Several witnesses described hearing rapid gunfire during the incident. Brandy Giraldo, chief operating officer of The General Muir restaurant, recalled the moment the shooting began.
“It sounded like fireworks going off, one right after the other,” Giraldo said. “Then people started running past the restaurant. Two stopped to warn us that there was a shooter nearby.”
Another local resident, Anurag Mehta, described the fear he felt when trying to reach his young son’s preschool. “I was thinking that when I left for work this morning, was that the last time I saw my son?” Mehta said. He later learned that his son was safe.
CDC Response and Security Measures
In an email to employees, Director Monarez expressed gratitude to the law enforcement agencies involved and offered condolences to Officer Rose’s family. She announced that Monday would be designated as a remote workday to allow for a comprehensive security review of the CDC campus.
Monarez described the incident as “an attack on our Roybal Campus” and emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
The CDC campus, Emory University, and surrounding neighborhoods are typically busy areas along Clifton Road, known for heavy traffic. On Friday, however, the streets were largely empty as warning sirens echoed through the area.
Governor Kemp and Officials Respond
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp commended first responders for their swift action, noting that the incident marked the second time in a week that violence had struck the state.
“Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians,” Kemp said, referencing both the CDC shooting and an earlier incident at Fort Stewart. “Each time, brave first responders rushed toward danger to save lives, reminding us how crucial they are.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspected gunman, and investigators are working to determine a possible motive. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is assisting local law enforcement in gathering evidence, including ballistics analysis and security camera footage.
Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Atlanta Police Department or GBI tip line.
Public Safety Reminder
Officials stressed the importance of remaining aware of surroundings during emergencies and following shelter-in-place orders. The shooting has reignited discussions about security at critical federal facilities and the safety of officers who respond to high-risk situations.
Source: AP News – Suspected gunman and police officer dead in shooting near the CDC and Emory University, police say
