What started as a tense afternoon at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta ended in heartbreak. David Rose, a 33-year-old police officer and father of two, was killed when a gunman opened fire near the CDC headquarters on Friday.
The newly joined officer’s death has left his pregnant wife and children grieving — and the community rallying around his family.
Remembering Officer David Rose’s Sacrifice
Officer Rose had only been with the Dekalb County Police Department since September, but his impact was already deeply felt.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson spoke emotionally at a press conference, highlighting the devastating loss.
“This evening, there is a wife without a husband.
There are three children, one unborn, without a father,” she said, urging the community to support Rose’s family during this difficult time.
The Shooting Unfolds Near Emory University
The gunman opened fire near the CDC campus, specifically around the CVS store at Emory Point, a development right across from CDC’s main buildings.
Rose was critically injured during the exchange of gunfire and was found at the scene.
Despite rushing him to the hospital, he sadly succumbed to his wounds.
Shooter’s Fate and Possible Motive
The suspect, found on an upper floor of the CVS, died during a shootout with police.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether his death was caused by police or was self-inflicted.
Officials believe the gunman’s target was the CDC, not the nearby Emory University.
Reports from CNN suggest the shooter’s family told investigators he blamed his recent illness on the Covid-19 vaccine.
Chaos at Emory University and Police Response
Students at Emory University heard gunshots late Friday afternoon.
In response, the university issued a desperate alert urging everyone to “RUN.
HIDE. FIGHT.” After over two hours, Atlanta Police confirmed the shooter was dead, and there was no ongoing threat to the campus or surrounding neighborhoods.
No Civilian Casualties, but CDC Buildings Hit
Thankfully, no civilians were injured during the shooting, according to Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens.
However, bullets fired from the shooter’s gun hit at least four buildings at the CDC headquarters.
Social media photos showed bullet holes in windows, underscoring the intensity of the attack.
The CDC Remains Secure Amidst the Attack
Despite the gunfire, the CDC buildings themselves were never breached.
At around 10 pm, the CDC sent out a text to employees declaring the all-clear, confirming the safety of staff as law enforcement finished clearing the campus.
Concern for Children at CDC Daycare
One particularly stressful part of the incident involved roughly 92 children at the CDC’s employee daycare.
Parents were unable to immediately pick up their kids due to shelter-in-place orders, causing widespread panic.
The children were finally reunited with their families about five hours after the shooting began.