Police officer, suspect dead in shooting incident near US CDS building in Atlanta

A suspected shooter and a police officer were killed after law enforcement responded to reports of an active shooter near the adjoining campuses of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and Emory University on Friday. The authorities noted that no civilians are believed to have been injured.

However, several rounds of gunfire hit buildings on the CDC’s sprawling campus, said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. According to the Associated Press, the officer who died in the incident “received gunfire” during the shooting. While speaking to the reporters earlier, DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick said that the officer was critically injured at the scene and taken to the hospital.

Meanwhile, CDS employees circulated photos from inside the building that appear to show numerous windows with bullet impacts on them. A law enforcement official who asked to remain anonymous told Associated Press that the shooter was armed with a long gun, and authorities recovered three other firearms at the scene. The gunman was eventually found on the second floor of a building across the street from the CDS and died at the scene.

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A suspicious white car at the scene

While speaking to the reporters, Schierbaum noted that a white car with an open trunk was part of the crime scene and was being searched. However, it remains unclear if the car belongs to the suspect or not. “We do not know at this time whether that was from officers or if it was self-inflicted,” Schierbaum said.

After conducting a search operation, authorities made it clear that there is no longer a threat to the public. Meanwhile, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the man’s motive is not known because the investigation is still in the “preliminary stages.” Staff at a nearby deli noted that they heard what sounded like a string of gunshots.

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“It sounded like fireworks going off, one right after the other,” said Brandy Giraldo, the chief operating officer of The General Muir restaurant. Soon after the incident, Emory University announced in a post on X that the shelter-in-place order on campus had been lifted, but asked people to avoid the area.

Governor Brian Kemp went on to laud the efforts of the first responders. “Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians,” Kemp said, referring to the shooting at Fort Stewart. “Each time, brave first responders rushed toward the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives, reminding us of just how crucial they are.” Meanwhile, 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.”