Atlanta, August 8, 2025
News Summary
An active shooter incident in Atlanta near Emory University and the CDC resulted in the death of a police officer and the shooter. Officer David Rose, 33, lost his life while responding to the situation, a tragic blow to his family and the local police community. The shooter, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found deceased shortly after the chaos. Fortunately, no civilians were reported injured, but several experienced stress-related symptoms. The event has sparked discussions on gun violence and the ongoing investigation seeks to determine the shooter’s motive.
Atlanta experienced a tragic active shooter incident on August 8, which resulted in the death of a DeKalb County police officer and the shooter at a location near Emory University and the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The gunman, a white male whose identity has not yet been revealed, opened fire on law enforcement and directed his attack towards CDC buildings. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum confirmed that multiple rounds struck four different structures associated with the CDC during the chaos.
Officer David Rose, aged 33, was fatally shot while responding to reports of the active shooter. A dedicated member of the police force since September 2024, Officer Rose was a father of two children, with another on the way. His death has cast a somber shadow over the local law enforcement community and the families he leaves behind.
The shooter was discovered on the second floor of a CVS store located directly across from the CDC, where he was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound. Officials have yet to confirm whether the wound was self-inflicted or resulted from police return fire during the incident.
As a result of the situation, no civilian injuries were reported, although four other individuals were treated for stress and anxiety symptoms at a hospital following the incident. Emory University initiated alerts regarding an active shooter around 4:30 p.m. local time, advising people in the area to “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT” and avoid the vicinity.
The response to the incident was substantial, featuring a heavy police presence with audible sirens and gunfire as law enforcement engaged the shooter. The CDC campus was placed on lockdown, and a nearby daycare harboring 92 children was also secured. All children reported safe, but the urgent response highlighted the nature of the alarming event.
Witnesses described the sounds of gunfire, with some likening them to fireworks amid scenes of chaos as bystanders fled the area. The incident prompted an extensive response from local and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
While the investigation into the motive of the shooter is ongoing, officials indicated they are exploring potential connections to the COVID-19 vaccine based on information received from the suspect’s family. In the aftermath of the tragedy, both Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed condolences and underscored the need for a national discussion on gun violence.
The DeKalb County Police Department has publicly mourned the loss of Officer Rose, highlighting the importance of supporting his grieving family during this difficult period. The shooting has impacted the entire Emory University and CDC community, prompting calls for prayers for everyone affected by this heartbreaking event.
The GBI is currently leading the investigation into the shooting, with local law enforcement providing assistance as needed.
FAQs
What happened during the active shooter incident near Emory University?
On August 8, a shooter opened fire near Emory University and the CDC, resulting in the death of Officer David Rose and the shooter. The police confirmed no civilian injuries, although some individuals experienced anxiety symptoms.
Who was the DeKalb County officer killed in the incident?
Officer David Rose, 33, was killed while responding to the active shooter reports. He had served in the police department since September 2024 and left behind two children and his wife, who is expecting a third child.
What was the response to the incident?
A significant police response was deployed, including local and federal agencies like the FBI and GBI. The CDC campus went into lockdown, and a nearby daycare was secured, ensuring that all children were safe.
What is known about the shooter?
The shooter was a white male found dead in a CVS store across from the CDC, but it is unclear whether he died from self-inflicted wounds or police gunfire. Investigators are exploring potential motives related to the COVID-19 vaccine based on family input.
Incident Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Active Shooter |
| Date | August 8 |
| Location | Near Emory University and CDC, Atlanta |
| Fatalities | Police Officer David Rose, the Shooter |
| Injuries | No civilian injuries; four treated for anxiety |
| Response Agencies | Local police, FBI, GBI |
| Current Status | Investigation ongoing; motive being explored |
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Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Active shooter
- CNN
- Google Search: Emory University Shooting
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Scholar: Active Shooter Incidents
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- The Guardian
- Google News: Emory University Active Shooter
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
