A shooting incident outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta on Friday has left a police officer dead and sparked widespread concern. The clash broke out shortly before 5 PM. Thirty-three year-old DeKalb County police officer David Rose sped to the scene upon hearing of the active shooter. The attacker at the CDC facility on the Emory University campus was Robert White. He then fled into a nearby drugstore.
The police department received an emergency call about the active shooter at approximately 4:50 PM. In the subsequent gunfire that erupted, Officer Rose was critically injured in the ensuing shootout with the suspect and died from his wounds later. He served with courage and integrity since joining the DeKalb County police force in September 2022, following a commendable stint in the United States Marine Corps.
The shooting resulted in the destruction of at least four buildings at the CDC. Later, investigators discovered 50 or more bullet holes spread across the two locations. CDC Director Susan Monarez confirmed that multiple structures were struck during the incident, stating, “The active shooter incident near our campus today has understandably brought fear, anger and worry to all of us.” She emphasized the organization’s commitment to safety, noting that their “top priority is the safety and well-being of everyone.”
Given the nature of that tragedy, Monarez told ABC News that she’s thankful for how quickly law enforcement responded. “I want to express my deep appreciation for your professionalism and resilience during this time,” she said.
With unwavering dedication to the law enforcement profession, Officer David Rose protected and served his community with pride. He was a devoted husband and father to two daughters, a son on the way. His loss has sent the community reeling. Even more importantly, it has inspired a nationwide outpouring of grief and support from miles of colleagues and city officials. DeKalb police remarked on his commitment: “Officer Rose served DeKalb county with courage, integrity and unwavering dedication. Not even in the line of fire did he shirk his responsibility to safeguard our city.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised Officer Rose’s bravery during the incident, stating that he “bravely responded to the active shooter incident on Emory’s campus and lost his life while protecting so many others.” He mentioned that the investigation is ongoing, referring to White as “a known person that may have some interest in certain things that I can’t reiterate right now with any confidence until the investigation is fully conducted.”
It has been reported that the defendant Robert White was moved to his actions out of a conviction that he had personally been harmed by the Covid-19 vaccine. A neighbor described him as being staunchly against vaccines, stating, “He very deeply believed that vaccines hurt him and were hurting other people.” More than anything, this personal conviction probably explains the most important factor of all: his actions during the attack.
In a statement honoring Officer Rose’s sacrifice, FBI Director Kash Patel proclaimed Rose a hero who “made the ultimate sacrifice.” He called on the community to pray for Rose’s family, friends and colleagues who are now faced with this terrible loss. “Pray for the family, friends, and colleagues of this hero who acted quickly to defend others and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Patel said.
The tragedy at the CDC has reignited discussions regarding public safety and community preparedness in the face of such violence. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with local law enforcement collaborating with federal agencies to piece together White’s motives and any prior indications of potential violence.