Atlanta, Aug 9 (UNI) A police officer was fatally shot during an active shooter incident at Emory University in Atlanta today , authorities confirmed. The suspected gunman was also found dead at the scene.
The shooting unfolded near the campuses of Emory University and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Police were alerted to the situation around 4:50 p.m. local time and quickly responded. The suspect was located on the second floor of a nearby CVS pharmacy, where he was struck by gunfire. It remains unclear whether the suspect died from police fire or took his own life, CNN reported.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens confirmed the suspect’s death and assured that no civilians were harmed during the attack. “There are no ongoing threats on campus at this time, but the investigation is still active,” the mayor said.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect appeared to target the CDC building and reportedly believed he was ill due to the COVID-19 vaccine. A CDC employee witnessed the suspect approaching and firing at the agency’s headquarters, CNN reported.
Eyewitnesses described the gunfire as a rapid series of shots, comparing the sound to “fireworks going off.” Staff at nearby businesses quickly locked their doors and sheltered in place as police secured the area.
The officer who was shot during the response was critically injured and later died at the hospital. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum expressed condolences and confirmed the officer had been fired upon during the confrontation.
The CDC’s Atlanta campus remained on lockdown for several hours as authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Nearby residents and students described the area as once being one of the safest in the city, now shaken by the violent incident.
Authorities continue to piece together the motive and details as the investigation unfolds. Officials are expected to provide further updates soon.
