On the afternoon of Friday, August 8, 2025, a tragic shooting unfolded near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Roybal Campus and Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. According to law enforcement officials, an active shooter opened fire in the area, targeting both the CDC complex and nearby locations.
The incident began around 4:50 p.m. when multiple gunshots were reported in the vicinity of the CDC headquarters on Clifton Road, directly across from Emory University’s campus. The gunfire triggered immediate emergency responses, including a shelter-in-place order at Emory University and a lockdown at the CDC campus.
Students, faculty, staff, and visitors at Emory received urgent alerts instructing them to avoid the area and follow “run, hide, fight” safety procedures. The CDC’s own emergency protocols were also activated to protect employees and visitors.
Officer Killed in the Line of Duty
Among the first responders was DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, 33, who was dispatched to the scene after reports of an active shooter. Officer Rose was struck by gunfire during the initial confrontation with the suspect.
Fellow officers quickly provided emergency medical assistance before transporting him to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts by medical personnel, Officer Rose did not survive his injuries.
Officer Rose had served with the DeKalb County Police Department for less than a year, joining in September 2024. He was a Marine Corps veteran, known for his dedication to service. He leaves behind a wife who is pregnant, as well as two young children.
Community leaders and colleagues have described him as a courageous officer who acted decisively to protect the public despite imminent danger.
Confrontation Inside CVS Pharmacy
Following the exchange of gunfire outside, officers traced the shooter to the second floor of the Emory Point CVS Pharmacy, located directly across from the CDC headquarters. Law enforcement teams surrounded the building and attempted to engage the suspect.
At some point during the confrontation, more shots were fired. Authorities later confirmed that the suspect was found dead from a gunshot wound. The precise cause — whether self-inflicted or from police return fire — remains under investigation.
The suspect’s identity has not yet been released publicly, and officials have not confirmed any motive for the attack.
Damage to CDC Building and Nearby Areas
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum confirmed that multiple rounds struck the CDC building during the incident, shattering glass windows and causing structural damage to several offices.
At the time of the shooting, 92 children were present at a daycare center located on the CDC campus. Fortunately, all children and staff were unharmed and later reunited with their families.
Four civilians in the area were transported to a nearby hospital for stress- and anxiety-related conditions brought on by the shooting, but none suffered physical injuries from gunfire.
Immediate Emergency Response
Local, state, and federal agencies quickly mobilized to secure the area. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) joined the investigation alongside the Atlanta Police Department and the DeKalb County Police Department.
The CDC remained on lockdown for several hours while investigators processed the scene, collected ballistic evidence, and interviewed witnesses. The lockdown was later lifted, but CDC officials announced that Monday, August 11, 2025, would be a remote workday for all employees to allow for additional security measures and mental health support.
CDC and Government Reactions
CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez issued an internal email to staff and later shared a public statement. She expressed deep sorrow over the attack on the agency’s main campus and assured staff that their safety was the CDC’s top priority. She urged employees to seek mental health resources and assured them that security protocols would be reviewed in coordination with federal, state, and local partners.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp commended the first responders who acted swiftly to prevent further loss of life, urging the public to keep Officer Rose’s family and those affected in their thoughts.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr expressed concern for the safety of the Emory University community and emphasized the importance of campus-wide vigilance.
The White House also monitored the situation and received updates from federal law enforcement agencies.
Broader Implications
The incident raises concerns about security at high-profile federal facilities and universities, especially those located in densely populated urban areas. It underscores the ongoing challenges in preventing armed attacks near public health and research institutions.
The bravery of Officer Rose and other responding officers prevented further harm, but the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement daily. As the investigation continues, authorities aim to determine the shooter’s motive, background, and whether any prior warning signs were missed.
