Suspect Dead, Officer Killed in Shooting Near CDC and Emory University

The fallen officer was identified as David Rose, according to the DeKalb County Police Department.

Law enforcement vehicles outside Emory Hospital following an active shooter incident in Atlanta on Aug. 8, 2025. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images

A shooting outside the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta on Aug. 8 has left a law enforcement officer and the assailant dead, according to authorities.

The shooting occurred near the campus of Emory University, just off site of the CDC and next to the CVS pharmacy.

A gunman opened fire on at least four CDC buildings, Director Susan Monarez said in a post on X. Images shared by employees showed multiple agency buildings with bullet-pocked windows.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said he was unaware of any individuals being injured at the CDC.

The gunman was found on the second floor of a building across the street from the CDC campus, and died at the scene, Schierbaum said. He added that “we do not know at this time whether that was from officers, or if it was self-inflicted.”

According to Schierbaum, an officer was found “critically injured” and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. DeKalb County Police Chief Greg Padrick later confirmed at a press conference Friday evening that the officer had died.

The fallen officer was identified as David Rose, the DeKalb County Police Department said in a Facebook post.

“This evening, there is a wife without a husband. There are three children, one unborn, without a father,” DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said at the press conference.

While the shooter’s identity and motive have not been confirmed, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said that he was a “white male.”

“He is a known person that may have some interest in certain things that I can’t reiterate right now with any confidence until the investigation is fully conducted,” Dickens said.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr posted about the shooting on social media.

“We’re horrified by the news out of Emory University and praying for the safety of the entire campus community,” he said.

“We stand ready to assist our law enforcement partners with whatever they may need.”

This was the latest in a string of active shooter incidents in recent weeks, including one at Fort Stewart in Georgia on Aug. 6.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp praised first responders, noting both incidents.

“Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians,” he said on social media.

“Each time, brave first responders rushed toward the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives, reminding us of just how crucial they are.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.