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The DeKalb County Police Department has identified the officer who tragically lost his life while responding to a gunman near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Officer David Rose, 33, was fatally shot while handling the situation at the CDC campus, which led to a shelter-in-place order for nearby Emory University. The identity of the suspected gunman, who was also killed, has not been disclosed.
Rose was taken to Emory University Hospital on Clifton Road, where he succumbed to his injuries.
He joined the police department in September last year and is survived by his pregnant wife and two children.
The DeKalb County Police Department has identified David Rose as the officer who was killed in a shooting outside the CDC campus in Atlanta on Friday. (DeKalb County Police Department)
“He had a strong commitment to serving the community,” stated Interim Police Chief Greg Padrick. “At this time, we ask for the community’s prayers for his family, friends, loved ones, and the entire DeKalb County Police Department family.”
The incident unfolded just before 5 p.m. when an individual started firing shots in front of the CDC campus, according to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Rose critically injured and heard more gunfire coming from a nearby CVS pharmacy.
Officers entered the pharmacy and discovered the shooter on the second floor with at least one gunshot wound. Schierbaum mentioned that it was unclear whether the wound was caused by police gunfire or if it was self-inflicted.
“I want to commend the law enforcement officers from all over this region,” Schierbaum praised. “When the community needed them, they did not hesitate to face the danger. Every officer from various districts responded promptly to eliminate this threat.”
Police officers stand outside the emergency room at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
CDC Director Susan Monarez expressed the agency’s sorrow over the tragic events that occurred on Friday.
“A brave local law enforcement officer lost their life, and another was injured, after a gunman opened fire on at least four CDC buildings,” she stated. “DeKalb County police, CDC security, and Emory University acted promptly and decisively to prevent further harm to our staff and community.”
A police officer arrives at the scene of a shooting near Emory University in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Both federal and state officials expressed shock over the shooting and acknowledged the swift response of law enforcement. U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., was among those who shared statements regarding this tragic incident.
“I am mourning the tragic death of the officer who was killed in the line of duty today, and I am praying for the officer’s family and friends. Atlanta law enforcement saved countless lives, and we are grateful for their service,” expressed Warnock.
A police officer arrives at the scene of a shooting near Emory University in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) is leading the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the FBI’s Atlanta office.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News’ Alexandra Koch, Sophia Compton, and Louis Casiano.
