Tragedy Strikes as Police Officer Dies in CDC Shooting Incident

In a shocking act of violence, an Atlanta police officer, identified as 33-year-old David Rose, succumbed to injuries sustained while responding to a shooting near the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters on Friday. The incident involved a single shooter, who is now deceased, as per police reports. Officer Rose, a father of two with another child on the way, was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately did not survive his injuries. Thankfully, there have been no civilian casualties reported.

The situation unfolded around 4:50 PM local time as law enforcement received reports of an active shooter. The CDC campus, located near Emory University, was swiftly secured by police, including federal and state partners, to avert further danger to the community. In a statement, CDC Director Susan Monarez expressed deep sorrow over the loss, praising the bravery of the officers involved. Initial investigations suggest that the shooter, believed to have had concerns related to health issues possibly stemming from a coronavirus vaccine, had been reported to law enforcement by a family member earlier that day due to concerns over his mental state.

As the shooting occurred, Emory University warned students and staff to "RUN, HIDE, FIGHT" as a precautionary measure. Police confirmed that multiple rounds were fired at the CDC buildings, but only the suspect was found injured, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted about an hour and a half later. The police department reassured the public that there is "no ongoing threat" in the area. In light of the tragedy, CDC employees have been advised to work remotely on Monday, marking a somber beginning to the week in Atlanta.