(NewsNation) — A police officer wounded while responding to an active shooter at Emory University outside Atlanta has died.
“Pray for the family, friends, and colleagues of this hero who acted quickly to defend others and made the ultimate sacrifice,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X.
Police are investigating the shooter’s motive after he was found dead on the second floor above a CVS on the college campus on Friday.
The gunman, identified only as a white male, opened fire at 4:50 p.m. A DeKalb County officer was injured responding to the shooting and later died of his injuries.
Police say the gunman shot up at least four CDC buildings. It was initially unclear if the shooter was targeting the school or the CDC, which neighbors the college campus.
Four other people showed up at the hospital suffering stress-related symptoms after the shooting, police said.
Active shooter alert issued
Gunfire can be heard in videos posted on X as cops swarmed the college six miles northeast of Atlanta, Georgia.
“Active shooter on Emory Atlanta campus at Emory Point CVS. RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. Avoid the area. Shelter in place,” Emory University wrote in an emergency alert.
Atlanta police said the shooter was dead and that there was no longer a threat to the campus in an update at 6:45 p.m.
Video from WAGA showed bullet holes covering a police SUV, and the outlet reported that several cop cars were shot up, with some leaking fluids.
Police investigate car, motive
Police were seen investigating a white car near the CVS where the gunman was fatally wounded, and a CBS reporter shared images of bullet holes in windows at the CDC.
Asked if the gunman targeted the CDC, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said it was too early to tell as the investigation is underway.
“He is a known person that may have some interests in certain things that I can’t reiterate right now with any confidence until the investigation is fully conducted,” Dickens said.
“But I think in short order you’ll know more about this individual and some assumptions about his motives, but I can’t say right now,” he said.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said investigators are trying to determine if the suspect meant to hit the CDC building as he opened fire.
“Multiple rounds were fired, both we believe at law enforcement and potentially at the CDC,” Schierbaum said.
DeKalb officer identified
The officer who was killed in Friday’s shooting has been identified by the DeKalb County Police Department.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Officer David Rose who was tragically killed in the line of duty,” the department wrote.
“Officer Rose served DeKalb County with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Even in the face of danger was he diligent in his duty to protect our community.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Rose’s family, friends, fellow DeKalb County officers, and law enforcement community during this most difficult time.”
CDC statement on shooting
CDC Director Susan Monarez has issued a statement on the shooting.
“We at @CDCgov are heartbroken by today’s attack on our Roybal Campus, which remains on lockdown as authorities investigate the shooting. A courageous local law enforcement officer gave their life, and another was injured, after a gunman opened fire on at least four CDC buildings,” she wrote.
“DeKalb County police, CDC security, and Emory University responded immediately and decisively, helping to prevent further harm to our staff and community. 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.
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Kemp, Georgia residents, and the American people for standing with us during this difficult time.”
Officer dead, leaves behind pregnant wife and 2 children
DeKalb County Interim Chief of Police Gregory Padrick confirmed an officer died during the shooting. He is left behind by his pregnant wife and two other children.
His name has not yet been released.
FBI director: ‘Pray for the family’ of fallen officer
“Pray for the family, friends, and colleagues of this hero who acted quickly to defend others and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Kash Patel said via X.
“The FBI will offer them our full support.”
Few details released about the shooter
Officials did not share if the shooter had a criminal record or any other details beyond it being a white male.
No word on motive
Mayor Dickens said there are assumptions about the shooter’s motive, but nothing is clear at this time.
Officer ‘critically injured’
Schierbaum said the officer was “critically injured” before being transported to the hospital. There has been no update to his current status.
Shooter found with gunshot wound before death
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum says the shooter was found on the second floor of the CVS with a gunshot wound; it is unclear if it was self-inflicted or otherwise. He died at the scene.
No threat to Emory University
Dickens confirmed there are no threats to the university at this time, but he urges civilians to stay away from the area where police continue their investigation.
No civilians shot
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens says no civilians were shot. He confirmed an officer was shot, but his condition is not yet publicly known.
Atlanta mayor speaks
“My thoughts are with the DeKalb County police officer injured in today’s incident near Emory University. We are grateful for the swift response of all law enforcement agencies who worked together to secure the scene and protect the public,” Andre Dickens said on social media.
Shooter not yet identified
There is still no word as to the identity of the shooter.
Shooter dead: Police
The Atlanta Police Department has confirmed the shooter is dead.
“There is no ongoing threat to the Emory campus or the surrounding neighborhood,” the PD said.
They confirmed it was a lone shooter, and a law enforcement official was injured. Civilians are still urged to stay away from the area as investigations continue.
Scene images
Shooter dead: Report
FOX 5 is reporting that the shooter is dead; however, this has not yet been confirmed by police.
Emergency continues
“Emory Emergency: There continues to be a police emergency on the Emory Atlanta Campus at Emory Point. Avoid the area. Shelter in place. Updates to follow,” Emory University said via X.
CDC employees told to take shelter
Per NBC News’ Allan Smith, CDC employees have been advised to “get to safety ASAP.”
The memo advises calling 911 when it is safe and to either run, hide or fight, depending on the situation.
Georgia Gov. Kemp speaks on shooting
“Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians. Each time, brave first responders rushed toward the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives, reminding us of just how crucial they are,” Kemp wrote on X.
“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.”
Georgia AG ‘horrified’ by shooting
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr wrote on X: “We’re horrified by the news out of Emory University and praying for the safety of the entire campus community. We stand ready to assist our law enforcement partners with whatever they may need.”
White House ‘monitoring’ situation
A White House official tells NewsNation the Trump administration is “monitoring the situation at Emory University.”
Active shooter at the CDC: Report
Atlanta CBS reporter Andy Pierotti is reporting the active shooter is at the CDC headquarters, located next to Emory College.
A CDC employee shared an image with Pierotti of a window hit with a bullet.
FBI en route to the scene
The FBI’s Atlanta division is “en route” to the scene and is presently coordinating with local law enforcement, it said in a statement.
2 taken to hospital; police car riddled with bullets
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, an officer and a civilian have both been taken to the hospital. The outlet shows images of a police vehicle with multiple bullet holes in the windshield.
Tesla investigation
Police are looking at and inside a Tesla parked right next to the CVS where the shooter was reported to be.
Police have swarmed campus
Emory University
More than 5,500 students are enrolled at the Georgia school, located in Druid Hills, three miles from downtown Atlanta.
Images of the scene
Wounded officer headed to hospital
According to WSBTV, Grady Memorial Hospital is awaiting the arrival of a wounded officer believed to be in serious condition.