Emory University shooting: Suspect and officer dead in Atlanta incident near CDC; no civilians injured

Authorities have confirmed that both the suspected gunman and a police officer have died following a shooting near the adjoining campuses of Emory University and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.

The suspect, who reportedly believed he became ill due to the COVID-19 vaccine, targeted the CDC building, according to his family, as reported by CNN. The institution issued an emergency alert after receiving reports of an active shooter on campus Friday. No civilians are reported to have been harmed, but several bullets struck buildings across the CDC’s extensive campus, according to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum.

The officer who was killed “received gunfire” during the incident, DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick confirmed. Officials previously stated that the officer was critically wounded at the scene and transported to the hospital.

CDC staff shared photos from inside the buildings showing multiple windows damaged by bullet impacts.

Nearby businesses responded quickly to the incident. Employees at a deli near the campus locked the doors and sheltered inside. Brandy Giraldo, Chief Operating Officer of General Muir, said staff heard several loud bangs. “It sounded like fireworks going off, one right after the other," she said.