A police officer has died from injuries sustained while responding to a shooting that occurred outside the headquarters of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.
The incident, which unfolded on Friday near Emory University, involved a “single shooter” who is now deceased, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Authorities confirmed that Officer David Rose was transported to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. No civilians were harmed in the event.
While the motive remains under investigation, U.S. media outlets, citing an unnamed law enforcement official, have reported a theory that the shooter believed he was experiencing adverse effects from a coronavirus vaccine.
Reports also indicate that the man’s father contacted police on the day of the shooting, expressing concerns that his son was suicidal.
CDC Director Susan Monarez conveyed that the agency is “heartbroken” by the attack.
“DeKalb County police, CDC security, and Emory University responded immediately and decisively, helping to prevent further harm to our staff and community,” she stated in a post on X.
During a press briefing on Friday, police officials stated they received reports of an active shooter at approximately 4:50 p.m. local time near the CDC campus.
Officers from various agencies responded to the scene. Emory University posted a warning on social media at the time: “Active shooter on Emory Atlanta Campus at Emory Point CVS. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.”
The CDC campus sustained multiple rounds of gunfire directed at its buildings.
Police confirmed that the shooter was found “struck by gunfire,” but have not yet specified whether the shots were from law enforcement or self-inflicted.
According to media reports, CDC employees have been instructed to work remotely on Monday.