Deadly Gunfire Near CDC Headquarters
An Atlanta CDC shooting Friday left DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, 33, dead after he responded to an active shooter near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters at Emory Point.
The shooter, a White male, was found dead inside a CVS Pharmacy at the complex. Several CDC buildings were struck by gunfire, but no civilian injuries were reported.
Witness Accounts of Chaos
Witness Randy Gold was leaving Emory Hospital with his father when staff began shouting about an active shooter. Doctors, nurses, and patients fled or sheltered in place as the hospital locked down.
Across the street, the CDC Roybal Campus went into immediate lockdown after windows on multiple floors — including Building 24, home to the CDC Director’s office — were damaged.
Embed from Getty ImagesOfficer Rose’s Service and Sacrifice
Rose joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024 and graduated the academy in March 2025. He leaves behind a wife, two children, and a third child on the way.
“He was committed to serving the community,” Interim Police Chief Greg Padrick said.
What Happened at Emory Point
The gunman’s fatal wound may have been self-inflicted or from police gunfire; authorities have not confirmed.
“We believe there was a single shooter, and we believe that shooter is deceased,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said.
Shooting Timeline
- 4:50 p.m. — Reports of gunfire near Emory Point opposite CDC headquarters.
- 4:55 p.m. — Rapid shots heard inside Building 24.
- 5:01 p.m. — Emory University issues “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT” alert.
- 6:30 p.m. — Lockdown lifted; no ongoing threat.
Officials React
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp condemned the attack, calling it the work of a “deranged criminal.”
CDC Director Susan Monarez, who started this week, said the agency was “heartbroken” and confirmed four buildings were hit.
The investigation remains active, and authorities urge anyone with information about the Atlanta CDC shooting to contact local law enforcement. DOJO will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they come in.
