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).

Source: CNN – Police officer killed after shooter appeared to target CDC headquarters in Atlanta, sources say

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WAYNE, Mich. (AP) — A quiet Sunday morning turned into a harrowing brush with tragedy when a gunman opened fire outside a Michigan church filled with families, only to be stopped by a combination of quick thinking and armed security.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, a city of 17,000 about 25 miles west of Detroit. Around 150 worshippers were inside attending the church’s weekly Sunday service when they noticed a man driving erratically outside.

Moments later, the man—described by police as a 31-year-old white male wearing a tactical vest—stepped out of his vehicle armed with a rifle and a handgun and opened fire. One person was shot in the leg. But before the gunman could get any closer to the building, a churchgoer in a pickup truck ran him over, and security staff immediately returned fire, killing the shooter on the spot.

“A parishioner struck the gunman with his vehicle as the gunman shot the vehicle repeatedly,” said Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong. “At least two staff members shot the gunman, causing the fatal wounds.”

No one else inside the church was harmed, and the individual wounded in the leg is expected to make a full recovery.

A Community Church, a Fast Response

CrossPointe Community Church is an evangelical congregation that holds weekly services, youth programs, and family outreach. Like many houses of worship across the U.S., it had taken steps in recent years to bolster security—an unfortunate reflection of a country where church shootings, though still rare, have become part of the national anxiety.

Chief Strong credited the church’s preparedness for saving lives.

“We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church’s staff members, who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting,” he said.

The name of the man who drove his truck into the shooter has not been released, but his actions—and those of the security staff—are being hailed as heroic.

Suspect’s Motive Unclear, Mental Health Crisis Suspected

Police said the suspect had no known ties to the church, and there is no indication so far that he knew anyone inside. The motive remains a mystery, but Chief Strong suggested that the shooter may have been in the midst of a mental health crisis.

“This appears to be an isolated act of violence,” Strong said. “There’s no evidence at this time of a broader threat.”

Authorities have not said whether the man had a history of mental illness or prior arrests. His name has not yet been released.

Worshipper Recounts the Chaos

Inside the sanctuary, the mood went from serene to frantic in an instant. Wendy Bodin, who was attending the service, recalled hearing a loud “boom” from outside. She initially thought it might have been a car accident—until another churchgoer yelled for someone to call 911.

“I looked outside and saw a man lying on the grass,” Bodin told WXYZ-TV. “Another lady pointed and said, ‘Oh my, call 911!’”

The church immediately went into lockdown as staff secured the building and worshippers waited anxiously for word that the threat had passed.

Federal Authorities Join Investigation

By Sunday afternoon, the FBI had joined the investigation, offering federal support as local law enforcement tried to determine what prompted the shooting. Deputy Chief Finley Carter III said it was still too early to identify a motive, and the FBI’s leadership team was assisting on-site.

The Associated Press attempted to contact church officials for comment, but calls and messages were not returned by Sunday evening.

A Broader Concern

This incident comes amid rising concern about the intersections of gun violence, mental health, and soft-target security in the United States. Faith communities, often seen as sanctuaries of peace, have increasingly felt compelled to hire armed security and develop emergency plans.

From the 2017 Sutherland Springs massacre in Texas to the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, religious spaces have periodically become targets—often with devastating consequences.

Though the motives behind Sunday’s shooting remain unclear, many in Wayne are left shaken but grateful that swift action prevented another tragedy.

Key Points Recap:

• Gunman in tactical gear opened fire outside CrossPointe Community Church during Sunday service.
• One person was shot; a parishioner ran the gunman over with a pickup truck, and church security fatally shot him.
• Police believe the suspect, a 31-year-old white male, was experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Around 150 worshippers were inside; no other injuries reported.
• FBI and local police are investigating; the church had trained security in place.
• Incident highlights growing need for security planning in faith-based communities.

Source: AP News – Police say a man opened fire outside a church before staff fatally shot him, averting mass shooting

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LAS VEGAS — What began as a typical afternoon at a popular gym on the west side of Las Vegas quickly turned into a scene of terror and tragedy Friday, as a gunman opened fire inside the Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC), killing one person and injuring three others before being shot and killed by police outside the facility.

The incident unfolded shortly before 4 p.m. at the busy fitness center located near Rainbow Boulevard and Alta Drive. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Undersheriff Andrew Walsh, officers responded to reports of a shooting and arrived to find chaos unfolding inside the gym.

Gunfire Erupts Inside the Gym

Witnesses described a scene of panic as shots rang out near the workout equipment area. One man was fatally shot inside the building, Walsh confirmed, while gym-goers scrambled to escape or take cover.

Claudio Vigani, who was working out at the time, told KLAS-TV he heard the commotion and people yelling for others to run. “They said ‘Get out, get out, get out,’” Vigani recalled. “Then I saw the dead guy next to the machine.”

Walsh said officers encountered the armed suspect exiting the building. The man was shot by police after reportedly failing to comply with commands and posing an immediate threat. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The identity of the suspect has not been publicly released as of Saturday morning.

Multiple Victims Rushed to Hospitals

Three other individuals were injured during the shooting. All were transported to nearby hospitals, and one remains in critical condition. Police did not specify whether all the injuries were caused by gunfire or if some occurred during the rush to evacuate the building.

Emergency responders worked swiftly to secure the area, treat the wounded, and evacuate the gym. Authorities have since confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Close Call for Some Gym Members

As more details emerge, accounts from near-miss survivors have underscored just how close this could have been to an even greater tragedy.

Gary Steward and a companion were just moments away from entering the gym when the shooting began. By chance, they stopped at a nearby nutrition store on the way in. That brief delay may have saved their lives.

“If we hadn’t stopped there, we would have walked in through the front desk, where the shooter came in,” Steward told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. As they approached the entrance, they saw shattered glass and fled back to the parking lot.

“It’s just a weird feeling right now,” he said. “It’s strange. Who shoots up a gym?”

Motive Remains Unclear

As investigators continue combing through evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage, the motive behind the attack remains unknown.

Undersheriff Walsh noted that there’s no indication yet whether the shooting was targeted or random. Authorities are also working to determine if the suspect had any connection to the gym, its staff, or its members.

Community Shaken by Sudden Violence

The Las Vegas Athletic Club is a popular fitness chain with multiple locations throughout the city. For many local residents, it’s a daily stop — a place to improve health and unwind. The news of a deadly shooting at such a familiar location has deeply unsettled the community.

Social media was quickly flooded with posts from concerned residents and gym members checking on loved ones or sharing their shock. As of Friday evening, calls to the gym and its corporate office went unanswered.

A Broader Conversation on Public Safety

This incident adds to a growing list of public shootings in places once considered safe — schools, malls, churches, and now fitness centers. As Las Vegas police continue their investigation, the shooting will likely reignite conversations about security in public spaces and mental health resources.

For now, the focus remains on the victims and their families. Local officials have not yet released the identities of those killed or injured, pending notification of next of kin.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department urges anyone with information or footage related to the incident to come forward as detectives continue working to piece together the events leading up to Friday’s shooting.

Source: AP News – 2 dead and at least 3 injured in Las Vegas gym shooting, police say

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Florida State University students and faculty are grappling with the aftermath of a terrifying shooting that took place on campus, claiming the lives of two men and injuring at least six others. The tragic event unfolded Thursday around lunchtime, leaving students scrambling for safety, some fleeing barefoot or leaving behind personal belongings in their desperate rush to escape.

By Friday morning, as a somber calm settled over the campus, memorials of candles and flowers sprang up in various locations, offering a quiet space for reflection. Students and professors began the difficult task of returning to campus, retrieving belongings and trying to come to terms with the horrific events of the previous day. A pair of vigils were scheduled for the afternoon to honor the victims.

Carolina Sena, a 21-year-old accounting student, vividly recalled the moments when the gunshots rang out inside the student union. “I heard some gunshots and then, you know, just blacked out after,” she said. “Everyone was crying and panicking. We were trying to barricade ourselves in a little corner in the basement, trying to protect ourselves as much as we could.”

Investigators identified the shooter as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old who was reportedly a Florida State student and the son of a sheriff’s deputy. He used his mother’s former service weapon in the shooting, although the motive remains unclear. Authorities confirmed that the victims, who were not students, were fatally shot just outside the student union.

Ikner’s mother, a longtime member of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, had kept the handgun for personal use after the department upgraded its weapons. Sheriff Walt McNeil said that Ikner, a member of the sheriff’s office’s youth advisory council, had been involved in several training programs with the agency, which made his access to firearms unsurprising.

As of Thursday night, Ikner was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. His condition remains unconfirmed by the hospital.

Aidan Stickney, a 21-year-old business management student, narrowly avoided becoming a victim of the shooting. He had been running late to class when he saw the shooter approach a man with a shotgun. The weapon jammed, and the shooter quickly switched to a handgun, opening fire on a woman. Stickney, acting swiftly, ran for safety while warning others and calling 911.

“I got lucky today. I really did,” Stickney said, reflecting on how close he came to danger.

As the shots rang out, students across campus scattered in all directions. Holden Mendez, a political science major, had just left the student union when he heard the gunfire. “There was a lot of fear. A lot of panic,” he recalled. His emergency response training kicked in, and he worked to calm those around him, reassuring them that the building they were in was secure.

Andres Perez, another student, was in a classroom near the student union when the lockdown alarm sounded. He and his classmates quickly barricaded the door with desks as they awaited the arrival of police officers.

“I always hang out in the student union,” said Perez. “So the second I found out that the threat was there, my heart sank and I was scared.”

The shooting sent shockwaves across the country, drawing reactions from political figures including President Donald Trump, who called it “a horrible thing” while reiterating his stance against new gun legislation. “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” he said from the Oval Office.

Florida State University President Richard McCullough expressed his sorrow, saying, “Our hearts go out to our students and the victims of this terrible tragedy.”

This is not the first time Florida State has experienced gun violence on campus. In 2014, a gunman opened fire in the university’s main library, injuring three people before being shot and killed by police. The university, with an enrollment of about 44,000 students, has long been a center of academic and extracurricular activity, but the dark shadow of violence has now touched the campus again.

In response to the attack, Florida State University canceled classes for the remainder of the week and also called off home athletic events through Sunday. As students and faculty process their emotions, the return to campus will be a difficult journey—one marked by grief, resilience, and a determination to heal.

The community remains shaken, but as vigils take place and memorials continue to grow, there is a sense of solidarity and support that is helping many begin to heal from the tragedy that has upended their peaceful campus life.

Source: AP News – Students at Florida State gather at memorials, prepare to retrieve belongings after deadly shooting

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The motive behind a tragic school shooting in Wisconsin that left a teacher and a student dead and six others wounded is believed to stem from a “combination of factors,” Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes stated on Tuesday. The incident occurred at Abundant Life Christian School when a 15-year-old girl attacked a study hall before taking her own life. Authorities are urging the public to provide any information about the shooter, Natalie Rupnow, to help piece together her motivations.

Investigating the Motive

While Chief Barnes did not disclose specific details, he confirmed that bullying at the school is being investigated. Additionally, police are reviewing writings believed to be authored by Rupnow, which might provide insights into her state of mind. “Identifying a motive is our top priority, but at this time it appears to be a combination of factors,” Barnes said during a press briefing.

Barnes emphasized the importance of community assistance, encouraging anyone familiar with the shooter’s online activity or personal struggles to contact a designated tip line. “There are always signs before a school shooting occurs,” he remarked.

The Aftermath

Among the six injured, two students remain in critical condition. The shooter succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Despite the urgency of the situation, Barnes declined to answer reporters’ questions, leaving Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Dane County officials to address the media. However, they refrained from disclosing the names of the victims, with Mayor Rhodes-Conway firmly stating, “Leave them alone.”

A Community in Mourning

Abundant Life Christian School, a nondenominational institution serving students from pre-kindergarten to high school, has approximately 420 students. On Tuesday, 24-year-old Mackenzie Truitt placed a poinsettia plant at the school’s entrance to honor the victims. “My heart sunk because I know how awesome a lot of these kids are,” she said, reflecting on the fear and uncertainty many experienced during the attack.

Barbara Wiers, the school’s director of elementary and school relations, recounted the moment students realized the lockdown announcement was not a drill. “When they heard, ‘lockdown, lockdown,’ they knew it was real,” she said. The school employs cameras and other security measures but does not have metal detectors.

Police Investigations

Law enforcement officials are interviewing Rupnow’s family, including her father, with whom she primarily lived. They are also searching her residence for further clues. According to court documents, her parents, who are divorced, shared joint custody.

The first 911 call came from a second-grade teacher just before 11 a.m., correcting an earlier statement that it had been made by a student. Officers in training nearby responded within three minutes. Investigators believe Rupnow used a 9mm pistol in the attack.

Reflections from the Community

Madison resident Carolyn Griese, 70, who has no direct connection to the school, placed flowers on the sidewalk. “When I was growing up, we worried about the atomic bomb,” she said. “Now they practice active shooter drills. These are innocent children.”

Griese, whose daughter is an associate principal at another school, expressed deep concern for her own grandchildren. “It’s terrifying,” she added. “It’s horrible.”

National Attention

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the tragedy during a speech in Maryland, expressing condolences for the victims and calling for stronger gun control measures. “Our nation mourns for those who were killed, and we pray for the recovery of those who were injured,” she said.

Madison resident Cristian Cuahutepitzi attended a vigil Tuesday evening to support the families of the victims. “We’re thinking of them,” he said, noting that his uncle’s daughters attend the school.

A Pattern of Violence

Joe Gothard, superintendent of the Madison Metropolitan School District, spoke at the vigil, reflecting on the shooting’s proximity to his childhood home. “We need to connect like we are tonight, each and every day, to prevent tragedies like this,” he said.

This shooting joins a grim list of similar incidents across the U.S., including those in Newtown, Connecticut; Parkland, Florida; and Uvalde, Texas. Despite recurring debates over gun control, these tragedies have resulted in little legislative change. According to the KFF nonprofit, firearms were the leading cause of death among children in 2020 and 2021.

Rare Perpetrator Profile

David Riedman, founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database, noted that school shootings involving teenage females are exceptionally rare. Historically, most incidents have been carried out by males in their teens or 20s. Riedman referenced a 1979 case in San Diego where a 16-year-old girl opened fire, killing two and injuring several others.

A Call to Action

As the Madison community grapples with this tragedy, questions linger about what could have been done to prevent it. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, connection, and action to safeguard schools and address the root causes of such violence.

Source

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Police in Madison, Wisconsin, are currently investigating a shooting that occurred at Abundant Life Christian School. The incident has resulted in multiple injuries, according to local authorities.

Madison police confirmed that the shooter is “down,” and the situation is now under control.

The school, which serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, is located in the heart of the city.

This is a developing story, and authorities are expected to release more details as the investigation continues. Please stay tuned for updates.

Source

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