Atlanta gunman targeted CDC headquarters because he believed COVID vaccine made him sick: report

Gunfire that resulted in the death of an officer and triggered a lockdown at Emory University may have been connected to the unnamed suspect’s grievance with the CDC over COVID measures.

Friday in Atlanta, Georgia, tragedy unfolded when DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was fatally wounded responding to an active shooter situation at the CVS location across the street from the main entrance to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While initial reports had mentioned a CDC window had been struck, further details from CNN noted the agency may have been the suspect’s target, with his own injury from the COVID shot being a potential motive.

According to the news network, “Authorities have not confirmed a motive, but sources told CNN the shooter may have targeted the CDC over personal health concerns he blamed on the Covid-19 vaccine.”

Additionally, CNN’s John Miller had reported, “After speaking with the suspected shooter’s family members, police are operating under the theory that he was either sick or believed that he was sick and blamed the illness on the Covid-19 vaccine.”

BREAKING: Gunman in Atlanta was targeting CDC headquarters because he believed the COVID vaccine made him sick – CNN

— BNO News (@BNONews) August 8, 2025

Amid speculation as to the motive of the as yet unnamed suspect, who was found dead on the second floor of the CVS, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (D) had said the alleged attacker “is 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.”

What was known was that the suspect had multiple firearms and appeared to have been wearing a surgical mask when shots were fired at no less than four buildings, in addition to the police, resulting in the death of 33-year-old Rose, survived by his two children and his wife, pregnant with their third.

A statement from the DKPD expressed, “We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Rose’s family, friends, fellow DeKalb County officers, and law enforcement community during this most difficult time. #WeAreDKPD.”

Adding to the sentiment, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) posted to X, “The entire Kemp family is also mourning today’s tragic loss of Officer David Rose. His service and memory will not be forgotten by a grateful state, and his loved ones and fellow @DeKalbCountyPD officers will remain in our hearts and prayers as they grieve his passing and this painful day.”

The entire Kemp family is also mourning today’s tragic loss of Officer David Rose. His service and memory will not be forgotten by a grateful state, and his loved ones and fellow @DeKalbCountyPD officers will remain in our hearts and prayers as they grieve his passing and this… https://t.co/jMmDQjxMXl

— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) August 9, 2025

Likewise, as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took charge in the case, CDC Director Susan Monarez released her own statement, “We at @CDCgov are heartbroken by today’s attack on our Roybal Campus, which remains on lockdown as authorities investigate the shooting. A courageous local law enforcement officer gave his life, and another was injured, after a gunman opened fire on at least four CDC buildings.”

“DeKalb County police, CDC security, and Emory University responded immediately and decisively, helping to prevent further harm to our staff and community. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of everyone at CDC,” she went on. “We are actively coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to fully investigate the shooter and this tragic crime. We are deeply grateful to Governor Kemp, Georgia residents, and the American people for standing with us during this difficult time.”

We at @CDCgov are heartbroken by today’s attack on our Roybal Campus, which remains on lockdown as authorities investigate the shooting. A courageous local law enforcement officer gave his life, and another was injured, after a gunman opened fire on at least four CDC buildings.…

— CDC Director Susan Monarez (@CDCMonarez) August 9, 2025

Staff Writer

Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn’t researching current events and their impacts, you’ll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.

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