Emory University Active Shooter Incident: August 2025 Updates

On August 8, 2025, Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, faced a tragic active shooter incident at Emory Point, a mixed-use development near its campus and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters. The event prompted a swift response from authorities, a campus lockdown, and widespread concern for the safety of students, staff, and the surrounding community. Below is a detailed account of the incident based on the latest available information.

Timeline of Events

At approximately 4:00 p.m. EDT, Emory University’s Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response issued an emergency alert, warning of an active shooter at the CVS store located at Emory Point on Clifton Road. The alert directed students and staff to “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT” and steer clear of the area, concurrently placing the university and Emory University Hospital under lockdown.

The Atlanta Police Department, along with campus security, responded immediately to reports of gunfire near Emory Point, a popular area featuring shops, restaurants, and residential spaces. Early reports indicated that multiple shots were fired, with bullets shattering windows at the nearby CDC headquarters.

By 5:00 p.m., authorities confirmed that a DeKalb County police officer was critically wounded during the response and was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital. A civilian was also injured, though no civilians were reported shot. Tragically, the officer, a father of two with a third child on the way, succumbed to his injuries.

At around 5:31 p.m., Emory’s emergency office reiterated the shelter-in-place order, urging people to stay indoors as the situation remained active. By 6:30 p.m., DeKalb County officials announced that the situation was contained, with no ongoing threat to the public, though the area remained an active crime scene, and residents were advised to stay indoors.

The suspected shooter was found dead on the second floor of the CVS with a gunshot wound, though it remains unclear whether the wound was self-inflicted or caused by police gunfire. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum noted that the shooter may have targeted the CDC, possibly motivated by a belief that the COVID-19 vaccine caused him illness, as reported by a law enforcement official.

Impact on the Community

The incident caused significant disruption in the Emory University and CDC communities. Clifton Road NE, between Briarcliff Road NE and Haygood Drive, was closed, leading to traffic delays in the surrounding areas. The CDC campus, located less than a mile from Emory, remained under lockdown into the evening, with 92 children in a daycare on the premises safely reunited with their parents hours later.

Witnesses described hearing gunfire that sounded like “fireworks going off, one right after the other.” A CDC employee reported seeing a man place a backpack on the steps of a CDC building, pull out a rifle, and fire at the structure. Nearby businesses, including General Muir’s deli, locked their doors as employees took shelter.

No injuries were reported inside the CVS store, and all colleagues, customers, and patients were confirmed safe. The store remained closed pending clearance from authorities.

Official Responses

Georgia officials and community leaders expressed grief and condemnation of the incident. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens denounced gun violence, stating, “Mass shootings, active shooter scenarios should not become the norm.” He emphasized the need to address individuals with high-powered weapons who may have mental health challenges.

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson called the day “a very dark day,” mourning the loss of the officer, whose wife and three children, one unborn, were left behind. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp highlighted the bravery of first responders, noting this was the second shooting in Georgia that week, following an incident at Fort Stewart.

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock and Representative Mike Collins expressed prayers for the Emory community, while Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr offered support to law enforcement. The FBI’s Atlanta field office assisted local authorities, with agents on the scene to provide support.

Context of Emory Point

Emory Point, located adjacent to Emory University and the CDC, is a pedestrian-friendly development opened in 2012. It includes residential units, national chain stores, and local businesses, serving professionals, students, and medical staff. Its proximity to both institutions made the incident particularly alarming, given the high-traffic nature of the area.

Ongoing Investigation

As of August 9, 2025, the shooter’s identity and full motives remain under investigation. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name, though the shooter’s father reportedly contacted law enforcement prior to the incident, expressing concerns about his son’s suicidal state. The Atlanta Police Department and FBI continue to investigate, with updates expected as more details emerge.

Emory University lifted its shelter-in-place order around 6:30 p.m. on August 8, but urged the community to avoid the Emory Point area due to the ongoing police presence. The university and local news outlets, including FOX 5 Atlanta and 11Alive, have been providing live updates to keep the public informed.

Community Reflection

This tragic event underscores the growing concern over gun violence on U.S. campuses and in public spaces. Emory University’s prompt issuance of emergency alerts and the rapid response from law enforcement likely mitigated further harm. However, the loss of a dedicated police officer and the trauma experienced by the community highlight the urgent need for continued efforts to address gun violence and mental health challenges.