Shooting Near Emory University Leaves Officer Dead, Campus on Lockdown
Active Shooter Incident Near Emory University and CDC Sends Shockwaves Through Community
A barrage of gunfire erupted near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday afternoon, leaving a DeKalb County police officer dead and triggering a massive law enforcement response. The shooting, which occurred just steps from the Emory University campus, prompted lockdowns at multiple facilities, including a daycare center with 92 children inside.
Timeline of the Shooting
🚨 RIP HERO: The officer who was kiIIed last night at Emory University has been identified as 33 year old David Rose
Officer Rose was with the DeKalb County Police Department, and is survived by his wife, two children, with a third on the way.
Heartbreaking.
Pray for them 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/MsviG6Wtfv
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 9, 2025
The incident began around 4:55 p.m. near Emory Point, a mixed-use development across from the CDC’s headquarters on Clifton Road. Witnesses reported hearing rapid gunfire, with one describing it as “popping for longer than a minute.” The shooter, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, targeted multiple CDC buildings before barricading himself inside a CVS pharmacy.
The first responding officer, later identified as 33-year-old Officer David Rose, was critically wounded in an exchange of gunfire. Despite being rushed to Emory University Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. Officer Rose, a father of two with a third child on the way, had joined the DeKalb County Police Department less than a year ago.
Lockdowns and Evacuations at Emory University and CDC
Emory University gunman identified as student Silas Kruger, who reportedly thought he got sick because of the COVID vaccine and was targeting the CDC.
We all know why the ID and motive of Kruger was released so quickly.
The gunman was white and anti-vax. pic.twitter.com/vdcCQ6me0s
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) August 9, 2025
As the situation unfolded, Emory University issued an emergency alert urging students and staff to “run, hide, or fight.” The CDC also went into lockdown, with employees sheltering in place for hours. Nearby, the Clifton School daycare was secured, with all 92 children safely evacuated and later reunited with their parents.
SWAT teams and officers from multiple agencies descended on the scene, surrounding the CVS where the shooter was holed up. After an intense standoff, authorities found the suspect dead on the second floor. It remains unclear whether he was killed by police or died from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Community and Law Enforcement Reaction
If active shooter in Emory University isn’t American, I’ll give 100$ to everyone who likes this tweet. pic.twitter.com/QmMqIrLrSf
— blesha (@blesha_bs) August 8, 2025
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson called the incident a “dark day,” praising Officer Rose’s bravery. Interim Police Chief Greg Paden echoed the sentiment, stating, “He gave his life with a commitment to serve others.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Senator Jon Ossoff also released statements mourning the fallen officer and thanking first responders. The FBI and GBI have joined the investigation to determine the shooter’s motives and whether the CDC was specifically targeted.
Ongoing Impact on Emory University and Surrounding Area
As of late Friday, Clifton Road remained closed, with a heavy police presence still visible. Emory University lifted its lockdown around 6:30 p.m., but the campus community was left shaken.
This marks the second major shooting in Georgia this week, raising renewed concerns about public safety. For now, the focus remains on supporting Officer Rose’s family and the broader Emory University and CDC communities as they process this tragedy.
