Tragedy Strikes Atlanta: What We Know About the CDC Shooting

CDS Shooting Atlanta: On August 8, 2025, a devastating shooting unfolded near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters and Emory University’s campus in Atlanta, Georgia. The incident left a DeKalb County police officer and the suspected gunman dead, sending shockwaves through the community. As details emerge, this tragedy has sparked conversations about gun violence, public safety, and the emotional toll on those affected. Here’s a comprehensive look at what happened, the impact, and what it means moving forward.

What Happened During the Shooting?

The incident began around 4:50 p.m. at Emory Point, a retail and apartment complex near the CDC’s Roybal Campus and Emory University. A lone gunman opened fire, targeting CDC buildings and engaging law enforcement. The Atlanta Police Department and multiple agencies responded swiftly to 911 calls reporting an active shooter.

• Timeline of Events: The shooting started at a CVS pharmacy across from the CDC, with gunfire reported just before 5 p.m. Emory University issued an alert, urging students and staff to “run, hide, fight.”
• Immediate Response: Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum reported that officers found a critically injured DeKalb County officer upon arrival. The suspect was located on the second floor of the CVS, deceased from a gunshot wound, though it’s unclear if it was self-inflicted or from police fire.
• Lockdown Measures: Both the CDC and Emory University campuses were locked down, with the CDC remaining under lockdown into the evening as investigations continued.

No civilians were physically harmed, but the emotional impact was profound, with four people seeking hospital treatment for stress and anxiety.

The Victims and Heroes

The shooting claimed the life of DeKalb County officer David Rose, a 33-year-old husband and father of two, with a third child on the way. His loss has left the community mourning a hero who ran toward danger to protect others.

• Officer David Rose: Described as a dedicated officer who joined the department in September 2024, Rose was remembered by Interim Chief Greg Padrick as someone “committed to serving the community.” His sacrifice has drawn widespread condolences.
• Community Impact: DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson called it “a very dark day,” emphasizing the personal loss for Rose’s family, including his wife and children.
• Other Affected Individuals: While no civilians were shot, the trauma extended to CDC employees, Emory students, and parents, particularly those with children at a daycare on the CDC campus.

The 92 children at the daycare were unharmed, and authorities worked to reunite them with their families, a process that stretched into the night due to the lockdown.

Possible Motives and Investigation

While the investigation is ongoing, early reports suggest the shooter may have targeted the CDC due to personal health concerns. According to CNN, law enforcement sources indicated the gunman believed he was sick and blamed the COVID-19 vaccine, though this has not been officially confirmed.

• Weapons and Intent: The suspect was heavily armed, carrying two handguns, a rifle, a shotgun, and backpacks filled with ammunition. Multiple rounds struck four CDC buildings, with bullet holes visible in windows and glass shattered near employee workspaces.
• Ongoing Probe: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the effort to uncover the shooter’s motive and circumstances. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens noted that the suspect was “a known person” with potential “interests in certain things,” but withheld further details pending the investigation.
• Unanswered Questions: Authorities are still determining whether the shots fired at the CDC were deliberate or incidental during the confrontation with police.

The lack of clarity around the motive underscores the complexity of addressing gun violence and mental health in such incidents.

Community and Official Reactions

The shooting prompted an outpouring of grief and calls for action from local and state officials, as well as the broader Atlanta community. The incident, the second mass shooting in Georgia that week, highlighted ongoing concerns about gun violence.

• Official Statements: Georgia Governor Brian Kemp praised first responders, noting their bravery in the face of danger. U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock expressed devastation over “yet another tragedy of gun violence” in the community.
• Mayor Dickens’ Response: Dickens emphasized the need for a national conversation on gun violence, stating, “Mass shootings, active shooter scenarios should not become the norm.”
• Emory and CDC Response: CDC Director Susan Monarez expressed heartbreak over the attack, thanking law enforcement for preventing further harm. Emory University lifted its shelter-in-place order by 6:30 p.m. but urged people to avoid the area.

The incident also reignited discussions about the safety of public institutions like the CDC, which has faced scrutiny and staffing challenges in recent years.

The Broader Implications

This shooting adds to the growing list of violent incidents in the U.S., raising questions about how to prevent such tragedies. For Atlanta, it’s a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even prominent institutions like the CDC and Emory University.

• Gun Violence Debate: Mayor Dickens and others called for action to address the proliferation of high-powered weapons and their use by individuals with mental health challenges.
• Community Healing: The emotional toll on CDC employees, Emory students, and local residents will linger. Parents like Kristin Coles, whose toddler was at the CDC daycare, voiced frustration over the need for safer environments for children.
• Public Safety Measures: The rapid response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Georgia State Patrol, highlights the importance of coordinated efforts in crisis situations.

As the investigation continues, the Atlanta community is left grappling with grief, fear, and a renewed urgency to address the root causes of such violence. The loss of Officer David Rose and the trauma experienced by so many serve as a call to action for stronger safety measures and support for those affected by gun violence.