A police officer was fatally shot during a gunfire incident near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters and the Emory University campus in Atlanta on Friday afternoon. Authorities have identified the suspected shooter as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia. White also died during the incident, with police indicating that his death may have been self-inflicted.

The shooting occurred around 4:50 p.m., prompting a shelter-in-place order at Emory University and a lockdown at the CDC. DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was critically injured while responding to the scene and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The police department praised Officer Rose for his dedication, stating, "Officer Rose served DeKalb County with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Even in the face of danger, he was diligent in his duty to protect our community."

Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, the DeKalb County CEO, described the day as a "dark day" for the community. Officer Rose is survived by his pregnant wife and two children.

During the incident, the suspect fired multiple rounds at the CDC building, breaking windows, but no civilians were injured. There were 92 children at a daycare center on the CDC campus at the time, and they were unharmed. Four individuals were transported to a hospital for stress and anxiety-related issues following the shooting.

The Atlanta Police Department reported that responding officers located the suspect on the second floor of a CVS Pharmacy across from the CDC. Gunfire was exchanged between the officers and the suspect during the confrontation.

In response to the shooting, CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez expressed her heartbreak over the attack and emphasized the agency's commitment to safety. She stated, "Our top priority is the safety and well-being of everyone at CDC. We are actively coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to fully investigate the shooter and this tragic crime."

Monarez also informed CDC staff that Monday would be a remote workday to allow employees to prioritize their well-being. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp thanked first responders for their bravery, stating, "We ask that you join us in holding them in our prayers, along with those harmed this evening near the CDC Center."

The FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are currently investigating the incident. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr expressed his horror at the events, stating, "We’re horrified by the news out of Emory University and praying for the safety of the entire campus community."

The White House is monitoring the situation as authorities continue their investigation.