Officer Killed After Shooter Appeared to Target CDC Headquarters in Deadly Atlanta Shooting

 ATLANTA — In a shocking turn of events on August 8, 2025, a masked gunman unleashed concentrated gunfire on multiple buildings of the CDC’s Roybal Campus, prompting a lockdown and leaving a DeKalb County police officer dead and the suspect also deceased, authorities confirmed. The GuardianThe Washington PostNew York Post

At approximately 4:50 p.m., 33-year-old Officer David Rose responded to reports of an active shooter near the CDC—his hometown agency praised his courage and duty. Rose was critically wounded in the line of duty and later succumbed to his injuries; he leaves behind a pregnant wife and two young children. New York PostThe Washington PostThe Times

Authorities tracked the suspect to a CVS pharmacy across the street. Inside, he was found dead on the second floor. It remains unclear whether the fatal wound was self-inflicted or from law enforcement. No other casualties were reported. The Washington PostPeople.comThe Times

Initial reports suggest the shooter may have believed he was ill—and blamed the COVID-19 vaccine, theorizing that the CDC was his target. However, officials emphasized that motive remains under active investigation. New York PostThe TimesThe Guardian

During the incident, 92 children at the CDC daycare on the Roybal Campus were unharmed, and staff were safely reunited with their families. New York PostThe TimesThe Guardian

Law enforcement—comprising the FBI, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and local police—swiftly responded to the crisis. By around 6:30 p.m., the shelter-in-place order issued by Emory University was lifted, and the threat was declared over. People.comThe GuardianThe Washington Post

Reaction from leadership was immediate and heartfelt. CDC Director Susan Monarez, newly confirmed this week, issued a statement declaring the agency “heartbroken” and committed to supporting affected staff. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivered messages of solace and gratitude toward first responders. 

SEO Keywords: CDC shooting, Atlanta CDC attack, police officer killed Atlanta, Emory University shooting, CDC headquarters gunman, antivax shooter Atlanta, CDC lockdown, David Rose officer killed, CDC August 2025 shooting, Atlanta news breaking

Tags: CDC, Atlanta news, shooting, police officer killed, Emory University, Georgia crime news, public safety, antivaccine incident, breaking news, US news