Police Officer Killed After Shooter Targets CDC Headquarters in Atlanta, Sources Say

Published Time: 08-09-2025, 17:30 (U.S. Eastern Time)

An active shooter incident unfolded at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) campus in Atlanta, resulting in the tragic death of a police officer. Authorities confirm the shooting was targeted at the CDC, leading to a campus-wide lockdown and an ongoing investigation.

Summary

A shooting at the CDC’s Atlanta campus has left one police officer dead and raised serious security concerns at a major federal health agency. Witnesses report that the gunman deliberately aimed at the CDC’s Building 21, prompting a rapid law enforcement response. The suspect is also deceased, with officials still determining the motive and details of the attack. The incident has impacted employees, families, and local residents, underscoring fears amid budget cuts and staff reductions at the CDC.

CDC Employee Witnesses Shooter Targeting Building 21

According to a CDC employee who spoke with CNN, the shooting began as the suspect approached the steps of Building 21, placed a backpack down, and pulled out what appeared to be rifles. The witness initially mistook the backpack’s contents for fishing gear but quickly realized the man was firing multiple rounds at the building. The employee heard six to seven gunshots and called 911 immediately.

After alerting authorities, the employee called his wife to confirm the safety of their children, who had been attending a day care located on the CDC campus and were evacuated minutes before the shooting began. Other CDC staff members were placed on lockdown, sheltering in place as law enforcement secured the area.

Police Officer Fatally Shot Responding to Incident

The Atlanta Police Department confirmed that one of their officers was shot during the response to the active shooter event near Emory University, adjacent to the CDC campus. Tragically, the officer later died from the injuries sustained.

Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that it remains unclear why the officer was on-site at the time of the shooting. “We don’t know if he was on patrol, going to work, or coming home,” Schierbaum said. Authorities also noted they cannot confirm whether the officer was actively responding to the shooter when he was shot.

CDC Campus and Emory University on Lockdown

Following the shooting, the CDC Atlanta campus, located next to Emory University, was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. A CDC source confirmed the lockdown was maintained for several hours to ensure staff and students’ safety.

Atlanta Police later announced the suspect was deceased, and the lockdown on the Emory University campus was lifted. The area remains under increased security as investigators gather evidence.

Shooter’s Background and Possible Motive

Law enforcement sources indicated that the shooter’s father had contacted authorities prior to the incident, expressing concern that his son was suicidal. Police are investigating this lead as part of their overall inquiry.

Further reports from officials suggest that the suspect may have believed he was ill and blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for his condition. Police continue to explore this theory while reviewing the suspect’s family statements and background.

Community and Leadership Respond to the Incident

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens addressed the situation in a press briefing, expressing sympathy for CDC employees and families affected by the shooting. The mayor acknowledged the difficult year the CDC has faced amid significant staff reductions and funding cuts, noting that the agency has lost nearly 25% of its workforce since January.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected,” Mayor Dickens said. “We stand with the CDC community and are committed to supporting them through this difficult time.”

Impact on Families and Local Residents

The shooting also deeply affected families with children at the CDC’s day care center. One mother recounted the harrowing experience of trying to reach her wife and toddler, who were caught in lockdown during the shooting. She described walking nearly a mile to get closer to the day care, only to be stopped by law enforcement.

Residents in the Emory Point community, located near the CDC campus, expressed shock and fear. An Emory University student described the area as “one of the safest places in Atlanta,” now shaken by the violent incident.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Shooting

Witnesses near the scene described the sound of rapid gunfire, resembling semiautomatic weapon fire. A local spa employee recounted hearing a series of shots followed by silence, then more gunfire, creating a tense and frightening atmosphere.

Photos Show Damage to CDC Building

Images shared by a CDC employee reveal bullet holes and shattered windows on Building 21, confirming the severity of the attack. The physical damage serves as a stark reminder of the real threat posed during the incident.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident thoroughly, including reviewing the suspect’s background, potential motives, and the sequence of events. The Atlanta Police Department and federal agencies are collaborating to ensure the CDC campus and surrounding areas remain secure.

Officials urge anyone affected by the shooting or experiencing distress to seek support from crisis resources, including the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).