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ATLANTA (BFMG) — A DeKalb County police officer was shot and killed Friday after responding to reports of an active shooter on the campus of Emory University, authorities said.
DeKalb officials identified the officer as David Rose, 33, who joined the department in September 2024 and served in the North Central precinct. Rose was a husband, father, and had a child on the way, DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said at a news briefing just after 8:30 p.m.
“This evening, my heart goes out to the family, as well as the DeKalb County family,” Cochran-Johnson said. “This is a dark day. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said officers were alerted to an active shooter around 4:50 p.m. Rose responded to the scene, where he was shot before being taken to Emory University Hospital. He later died from his injuries.
Schierbaum said officers followed the suspect to the CVS at Emory Point, heard gunfire inside, and moved in. They found the suspected shooter on the second floor with a gunshot wound. It was unclear whether the wound was self-inflicted or the result of police gunfire. The suspect died at the scene.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said a daycare in the area was placed on lockdown during the incident, but all children were safe and were later reunited with their families at a nearby school.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, located near the shooting scene, also went into lockdown. CDC Deputy Director Susan Monarez said in a statement that the agency was “actively coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to fully investigate the shooter and this tragic crime.”
Dozens of police and emergency vehicles from multiple agencies blocked Clifton Road and Emory Point. Emory officials sent out alerts just after 5 p.m. warning students and staff of the active shooter.
The FBI’s Atlanta office said it responded to the scene and was working with local law enforcement.
Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement expressing gratitude for law enforcement’s swift actions, referencing another shooting earlier in the week at Fort Stewart.
“Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians,” Kemp said. “Each time, brave first responders rushed toward the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives… We ask that you join us in holding them in our prayers, along with those harmed this evening near the CDC.”
ABC News reported that the White House was also monitoring the situation.
