A tragic shooting unfolded Friday afternoon near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters and Emory University in Atlanta, claiming the life of a DeKalb County police officer and leaving the suspected gunman dead.
According to officials, the officer whose identity has not yet been released was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition following the incident but later succumbed to his injuries. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson described the day as “dark” for the community, revealing that the fallen officer leaves behind a pregnant wife and two young children.
Police say the suspect, found on the second floor of the Emory Point CVS Pharmacy across from the CDC building, died from a gunshot wound that may have been self-inflicted. No civilians were shot, though four individuals were hospitalized for stress and anxiety-related symptoms.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum confirmed that the shooter fired multiple rounds at the CDC building, shattering windows. At the time, 92 children were inside the CDC’s daycare facility, all of whom were unharmed.
The shooting began at approximately 4:50 p.m., prompting a massive emergency response. DeKalb County officers located and confronted the suspect, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Authorities later imposed a shelter-in-place order on the Emory University campus, urging people to “RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. Avoid the area,” before lifting the order once the threat was neutralized.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp commended first responders for their swift actions, stating on X, “We thank the brave men and women who ran toward danger to subdue the shooter and save lives. Please join us in praying for the officer’s family and all those impacted.”
The incident is now under investigation by FBI Atlanta and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr expressed his shock, calling the events “horrifying” and offering prayers for the safety of the Emory University community.
The White House also confirmed it was closely monitoring the situation as officials continue to piece together the details of the deadly confrontation.
