Atlanta

Officer killed, active shooting suspect dead on Emory University’s campus

ATLANTA — DeKalb officials confirmed the death of one of their police officers Friday after a shooter opened fire on the campus of Emory University.

Atlanta police said the suspected shooter is dead, and there is no indication of a second suspect.

DeKalb County police identified the officer killed in the line of duty late Friday night as Officer David Rose, 33.

Rose started with the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024 and served the North Central precinct.

DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said at a news briefing just after 8:30 p.m. that Rose was also a husband and father with a child on the way.

“This evening, my heart goes out to the family, as well as the DeKalb County family,” she said.

She called it a dark day, and she asked for people to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.

Sources had earlier confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that a Rose was ambushed, shot and killed in the violence on Clifton Road.

Channel 2 Action News has crews at the scene and will have the latest details on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m.

Mayor Andre Dickens said in a news conference that no civilians were shot by the gunman. He said he could not provide details on the identity or potential motive of the suspect, but expected more information to be released soon.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said they became aware of an active shooter around 4:50 p.m. The DeKalb officer responded to the report of an active shooter when he was shot, and he was quickly removed from the scene and taken to a Emory University Hospital.

He said officers followed the suspect to the CVS, heard gunfire inside and moved in.

They found the suspected shooter on the second floor of the building, and he had been hit by gunfire. Schierbaum said it was not known whether the suspect had been hit by an officer’s gunfire or shot himself, and he died at the scene.

Dickens said families of children at a daycare in the area would be reunited soon at a nearby school. The daycare was locked down, and all the children are safe, he said.

In a statement from CDC Director Susan Monarez, she said that employees remain on lockdown in the facility.

“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of everyone at CDC. We are actively coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to fully investigate the shooter and this tragic crime,” she said.

Dozens of police and emergency vehicles from multiple agencies blocked off the area on Clifton Road and Emory Point. The university sent out alerts via text just after 5 p.m. notifying students and staff of an active shooter on the campus at the Emory Point CVS.

The campus is near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters. NewsChopper 2 located apparent damage from bullets to windows at the CDC.

A parent of a child at the nearby Clifton School told Channel 2’s Courtney Francisco that it had been placed into lockdown, but all of the children are safe. The school provides childcare for employees at Emory, the CDC and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by today’s incident on the Emory campus. I am grateful for the swift and coordinated response from our law enforcement agencies and first responders. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available. I urge everyone to stay alert, remain indoors, and follow official guidance as we allow law enforcement to complete their investigation.”—Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, CEO, DeKalb County

The FBI Atlanta office said on X that it had people responding and would coordinate with local law enforcement officials.

Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement that he and his family are thankful for those serving and protecting.

“Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians,” he stated, referencing the shooting at Fort Stewart on Wednesday. “Each time, brave first responders rushed toward the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives, reminding us of just how crucial they are.

“Marty, the girls, and I are thankful for all those who answer the call to serve and who protect their fellow Georgians. We ask that you join us in holding them in our prayers, along with those harmed this evening near the CDC Center.”

ABC News reported the White House was monitoring the situation as well.

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