Suspected Gunman and Police Officer Killed in Shooting Outside CDC Headquarters in Atlanta
Atlanta, GA — A tragic confrontation outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta ended in gunfire Thursday morning, leaving both a suspected gunman and a police officer dead. The incident has shaken the city and raised questions about the circumstances that led to the deadly exchange near one of the nation’s most secure and closely monitored federal facilities.
According to the Atlanta Police Department (APD), the shooting occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m. in the vicinity of the CDC’s main campus on Clifton Road. Authorities say officers responded to reports of a man behaving erratically and allegedly brandishing a weapon in the area. When police arrived, they encountered the suspect near the facility’s perimeter.
Witnesses reported hearing a heated verbal exchange before multiple shots rang out. Officials say the suspect opened fire, striking an APD officer, prompting other responding officers to return fire. The officer, whose name has not yet been released pending family notification, was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is working to identify the deceased gunman, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether he had any connection to the CDC or its employees. Investigators are reviewing security footage from the area, speaking with witnesses, and analyzing ballistic evidence to determine the exact sequence of events.
APD Chief Darin Schierbaum called the incident “a devastating loss” for the department and the city. “This officer gave his life protecting our community,” Schierbaum said. “We will not rest until we understand what happened and why.”
The CDC temporarily placed its campus on lockdown during the incident as a precaution, with employees advised to shelter in place until police secured the area. By late morning, the lockdown was lifted, and officials confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public or CDC personnel.
Colleagues and fellow officers described the slain officer as a dedicated public servant known for his professionalism, courage, and commitment to keeping Atlanta safe. “He was one of the best,” one fellow officer said. “He cared about people, and he put his life on the line every single day.”
Little is known so far about the suspected gunman’s background or possible motives. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), are assisting in the investigation due to the incident’s proximity to a federal facility.
Community leaders and residents have expressed both grief and outrage at the loss of life. Vigils are already being planned to honor the fallen officer, and local officials are calling for unity and support for law enforcement during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the APD has pledged transparency in releasing updates to the public. For now, the Atlanta community is left mourning a police officer who died in the line of duty and grappling with the unsettling reality of violence erupting so close to one of the nation’s most critical public health institutions.