Dekalb County Officer David Rose Killed in Shootout at CDC, Leaves Behind Pregnant Wife and Two Children

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A tragic shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta Friday claimed the life of Dekalb County Police Officer David Rose. The 33-year-old officer, who joined the force just last September, was fatally wounded during a confrontation with a gunman near Emory University. Rose leaves behind a pregnant wife and two young children.

The incident began late Friday afternoon when the unidentified shooter opened fire near the CDC buildings located at the Roybal Campus, a complex across the street from Emory University. Shots were first reported from a CVS pharmacy at Emory Point, a mixed-use development adjacent to the CDC headquarters. Officers responded quickly to the scene where Rose was found with critical injuries. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he later died from his wounds.

Authorities engaged the suspect in a gunfight on the floor above the CVS. The shooter was killed during the exchange, though it remains unclear whether the fatal injuries were caused by law enforcement or self-inflicted. Police confirmed there was no ongoing threat following the confrontation.

Dekalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson expressed condolences during a press conference, saying, “There is a wife without a husband. There are three children, one unborn, without a father.” She called for community support to help Rose’s family through their loss. CDC Director Susan Monarez, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp publicly honored Rose’s sacrifice and bravery.

Investigations revealed that the shooter targeted the CDC and not Emory University, though the nearby campus was placed on high alert. Emory students were sent an urgent safety message advising them to “RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.” After more than two hours, Atlanta Police declared the shooter deceased and stated no civilians were harmed in the attack. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens confirmed that no bystanders were injured.

Law enforcement officials noted the gunman was armed with four weapons: two handguns, a rifle, and a shotgun, and wore a surgical mask during the attack. CNN reported that the suspect’s family told authorities he blamed his recent illness on the COVID-19 vaccine, though these claims have not been independently verified.

The shooting impacted several CDC buildings, with bullet holes visible in at least two windows of the complex. However, the CDC itself was never breached. Around 10 p.m. Eastern Time, the CDC issued an all-clear to employees via text, confirming the threat had ended and law enforcement continued clearing the campus.

The CDC’s on-site daycare, caring for approximately 92 children, was locked down during the incident. Parents were understandably anxious, but children were safely reunited with their families once officials declared the situation secure about five hours after it began.

This tragic event marks a sobering moment for the Dekalb County Police Department and the Atlanta community as they mourn a dedicated officer who gave his life protecting others.