One officer has died after responding to an active shooter situation at Emory University’s Atlanta campus in Georgia on Friday.
Police responded to an active shooter near the local CVS at around 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. The shooter, who was wearing a surgical mask, fired multiple rounds at law enforcement and the nearby CDC headquarters, according to Atlanta police. He was later found dead on the second floor of the CVS after being struck by gunfire.
“We do not know at this time if it was an officer’s or if it was self-inflicted,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said.
The police officer, a married father of three, was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
Shortly before 7 p.m., the Atlanta Police Department said in a release that there is no longer an “ongoing threat,” but people were told to avoid the crime scene as the investigation unfolds.
Photos from the scene show windows of the CDC headquarters cracked and damaged from the bullets, which police believe the shooter was targeting after speaking with his family members.
CDC Director Susan Monarez said that the building “remains on lockdown” as of 9 p.m., adding that the shooter targeted four separate CDC buildings.
“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of everyone at CDC. We are actively coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to fully investigate the shooter and this tragic crime,” Monarez said.
Emory University sits less than a mile from the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, which also houses a daycare.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said on Friday night that all 92 children who were at the daycare at the time of the shooting are safe and will be reunited with their parents “as soon as possible.”
This was the second mass shooting this week in Georgia after an Army sergeant allegedly shot five of his fellow soldiers at Fort Stewart on Wednesday.
Shortly after the shooting on Friday, Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) thanked the first responders who rushed to the scene.
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“Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians. Each time, brave first responders rushed toward the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives, reminding us of just how crucial they are,” he said.
Kemp added that he and his family “are thankful for all those who answer the call to serve and who protect their fellow Georgians. We ask that you join us in holding them in our prayers, along with those harmed this evening near the CDC Center.”
