DeKalb County Officer Killed, Suspect Dead in Shooting Near CDC and Emory University

A DeKalb County police officer was killed and a suspected shooter is dead after an active shooter incident Friday afternoon near the campus of Emory University in Atlanta and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Gunfire was first reported at 4:50 p.m. near the entrance to the CDC at 1600 Clifton Road NE. CDC employees reported bullets striking the windows of several agency buildings. Emory University issued a shelter-in-place order during the incident.

Responding officers located the suspect on the second floor of the Emory Point CVS Pharmacy across the street from the CDC. Police said the individual exchanged gunfire with officers and died at the scene. The motive remains unknown as the investigation is in its early stages.

The injured DeKalb County officer was transported to Emory University Hospital on Clifton Road, where he died. Four other individuals were taken to a hospital for stress and anxiety-related conditions.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said, “We’re horrified by the news out of Emory University and praying for the safety of the entire campus community.”

CDC officials announced that the reunification site for children attending the CDC daycare is The Clifton School at the Clairmont Campus, located at 1900 Starvine Way in Decatur.

Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement urging prayers for those affected, adding, “We ask that you join us in holding them in our prayers, along with those harmed this evening near the CDC Center.”

“On behalf of Chief Darin Schierbaum and the entire Atlanta Police Department, it is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the DeKalb County Police Officer who lost his life in the line of duty today. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his loved ones during this painful time,” said the Atlanta PD in a statement.