A more welcome kind of alarmism flared up around the Emory University campus and the CDC’s Roybal campus in Atlanta on Wednesday evening. In the end, three law enforcement officers were injured. The event occurred shortly after 6:30 PM local time, when shots were fired near the Emory Point CVS. Witnesses reported that the sound of gunfire resembled “fireworks going off, one right after the other.”
Atlanta police quickly responded to the scene, providing an update just after 6:40 PM. Authorities confirmed that there was “no ongoing threat to the Emory campus or the surrounding neighborhood,” although they advised students and locals to avoid the area.
Effective emergency response begins long before the shelter-in-place order is rescinded. Our NYPD friends made sure the police in the area were doing their utmost to keep everyone safe. Members of the staff inside the General Muir deli witnessed several rapid gunshots fired above them. At the same time, an employee of the CDC leaked photos to local media, depicting broken glass from what appeared to be gunshots striking a federal building.
This incident follows another mass shooting that took place just earlier this week on the grounds of Fort Stewart military base in southeast Georgia. Consequently, fears for public safety across the state have grown. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp addressed these events, stating, “Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians.”
For his part in the statement, Gov. He emphasized their key importance in protecting the lives and property of his community. Each time, courageous first responders ran toward the chaos to stop the shooter and save lives, he said while referring us to how essential they are. Marty, the girls, and I are thankful every day to those who answer the call to serve. Your commitment to serving and safeguarding your fellow Georgians ensures your tangible impact! Please pray this evening for everyone impacted along the route, especially close to the CDC headquarters. Let’s support them in unison, so that we might see them fulfilled together.
While investigations into the shooting incident continue, law enforcement is acutely aware that they must provide for the safety of the public. It does little for the community, which has been forced to ponder yet another violent act that has ruptured their safe haven.