Atlanta, GA, August 8, 2025
News Summary
An active shooter incident near Emory University and the CDC resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to another. The gunman, found deceased in a CVS, raised concerns about mental health motivations. Fortunately, 92 children in a neighboring daycare were safely evacuated. Local authorities are investigating while community leaders emphasize the need for conversations on gun violence.
Atlanta, Georgia – An active shooter incident unfolded near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resulting in the death of a police officer. The incident occurred around 4:50 p.m. at a CVS located at Emory Point, which escalated into a more significant attack as the shooter fired upon buildings at the CDC’s Roybal campus.
A DeKalb County police officer, who has not yet been publicly identified, sustained critical injuries while responding to reports of the shooting. Tragically, he later passed away from his wounds. Alongside him, another officer suffered injuries but has since survived, though details on the nature of their injuries remain unspecified. The interim police chief honored the fallen officer, noting the officer’s dedication to the community.
Upon the arrival of the law enforcement units, the shooter was located on the second floor of the CVS where he was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not confirmed whether his death resulted from self-inflicted wounds or from law enforcement fire. While multiple gunshots were reported, fortunately, no civilians were injured. Four individuals were treated for symptoms of stress and anxiety at a local hospital following the events.
During the shooting, there were 92 children in a daycare facility on the CDC campus, all of whom were safely evacuated and later reunited with their families. Witnesses described hearing gunshots that echoed like fireworks, prompting a swift lockdown of the area as law enforcement worked diligently to secure the scene and minimize potential harm.
In the aftermath, video evidence revealed bullet holes in the windows of CDC buildings, raising alarms about the severity of the shooting incident. Authorities later identified the shooter as a known individual who may have been motivated by mental health issues and beliefs regarding COVID-19 vaccines. An ongoing investigation has been initiated by both the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to piece together further details concerning the motive behind the violence.
Atlanta Mayor emphasized the need for ongoing conversations about gun violence in the aftermath of this tragic event. Local and state officials have echoed his sentiments, expressing their collective grief about the violence while offering condolences to the officer’s family, who is left behind with a pregnant wife and two children. Likewise, the CDC director voiced heartbreak over the attack, praising the bravery displayed by law enforcement in response to the crisis.
In terms of logistics, significant road closures surrounded the incident due to heavy police presence, resulting in traffic disruptions across the area. While local businesses, such as the CVS, were closed during the chaotic situation to ensure the safety of their staff and clients, the lockdown at the CDC campus was subsequently lifted as the site was deemed secure. This incident has raised vital conversations within the community regarding public safety and the effects of gun violence.
Key Information
- Incident Location: CVS at Emory Point near Emory University and CDC
- Time of Occurrence: Around 4:50 p.m.
- Injuries: One officer deceased, another injured (non-life-threatening)
- Children in Daycare: 92 children reported safe
- Lockdown: Enforced during police response, lifted post-assessment
Background Context
This tragic incident highlights ongoing public safety concerns related to gun violence in community spaces, especially near institutions like the CDC. The area was secured collaboratively by local law enforcement and security personnel from both Emory University and the CDC, showcasing the swift response necessary in such emergencies. As investigations continue, community leaders are advocating for a holistic approach to preventing future incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Atlanta near Emory University and CDC?
An active shooter incident took place at a CVS near Emory Point, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to another officer. The shooter was deceased at the scene.
An active shooter incident took place at a CVS near Emory Point, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to another officer. The shooter was deceased at the scene.
Were any civilians injured during the event?
No civilians were injured during the incident, although four individuals were treated for stress and anxiety.
No civilians were injured during the incident, although four individuals were treated for stress and anxiety.
What was the status of the children at the daycare?
All 92 children at the daycare on the CDC campus were reported safe and were eventually reunited with their families.
All 92 children at the daycare on the CDC campus were reported safe and were eventually reunited with their families.
What actions were taken by local authorities?
Local authorities initiated a lockdown, secured the area, and coordinated with CDC and Emory University security while investigating the incident.
Local authorities initiated a lockdown, secured the area, and coordinated with CDC and Emory University security while investigating the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | CVS at Emory Point |
| Time | 4:50 PM |
| Officer Casualties | 1 deceased, 1 injured |
| Civilians Injured | None |
| Children in Daycare | 92, all safe |
| Investigative Agencies | FBI and Georgia Bureau of Investigation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- CNN
- The Guardian
- Georgia Recorder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Active Shooter Incident
- Google Search: Emory University CDC Shooting
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.
