Deadly Shooting Near CDC Leaves Atlanta Police Officer and Suspect Both Dead

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A shooting near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) campus in Atlanta on Friday afternoon ended with the deaths of a DeKalb County police officer and the suspect. No civilians were harmed in the incident, but the community remains shaken.

The situation began around 4:50 pm when 911 calls reported an active shooter at 1600 Clifton Road, close to the CDC and Emory University campuses. Emory University quickly alerted students and staff about the threat and locked down its campus, as did the CDC’s Roybal campus.

Officers arrived on the scene and found DeKalb County Officer David Rose critically injured. He was rushed to Emory University Hospital but later died from his wounds. Rose, 33, had recently graduated from the police academy and was described by officials as dedicated to serving the community. He leaves behind a wife, two children, and a child on the way.

Police heard gunfire coming from inside a CVS Pharmacy located in a nearby retail and apartment complex. When officers entered the building to locate the shooter, they found the suspect on the second floor. The suspect had sustained gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Authorities have not confirmed whether the wounds were self-inflicted or caused by police.

Greg Padrick, interim chief of the DeKalb County Police Department, confirmed Officer Rose’s death and asked for the community’s prayers. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson spoke of the deep loss experienced by Rose’s family. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens reported that no civilians were injured during the shooting. However, four people sought medical attention for stress and anxiety.

Susan Monarez, director of the CDC, said four buildings on the CDC campus were struck by gunfire, though no injuries were reported there. The campus remained on lockdown as officials investigated whether the shots fired were intentional.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said investigators are examining whether rounds fired were aimed at law enforcement or the CDC. The identity of the suspect has not been publicly released.

Officials have not yet determined a motive. Mayor Dickens referred to the suspect as “a known person that may have some interests in certain things, that I can’t reiterate right now with any confidence until the investigation is fully conducted.” The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the inquiry.

Governor Brian Kemp condemned the shooting as the second in Georgia in one week. He praised the bravery of first responders who quickly confronted the shooter and called for prayers for those affected. U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock also expressed his sorrow and urged prayers for the officer and the community. FBI Director Kash Patel offered full support to state officials, honoring Officer Rose as a hero who “made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Mayor Dickens said this tragic event highlights the urgent need for a national discussion on gun violence. “Mass shootings, active shooter scenarios should not become the norm,” he said.