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Atlanta, GA – A DeKalb County police officer was fatally shot Friday evening near the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, prompting a massive law enforcement response and a subsequent examination into the death of the suspected shooter.
The fallen officer has been identified as David Rose, a veteran of the DeKalb County Police Department. Officer Rose was responding to reports of shots fired in the vicinity of the CDC campus and Emory University when he was struck by gunfire.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Jeremy White, 33, of Atlanta.White died inside a CVS Pharmacy located at 1655 Clifton Road, directly across from the CDC campus. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, wiht authorities currently determining whether he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound or as an inevitable result of police gunfire.
According to a law enforcement official who spoke with the Associated Press, White had recently expressed distress over the loss of his pet dog and had developed strong beliefs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Neighbors interviewed by FOX 5 News corroborated the latter, stating White frequently discussed COVID-19 and believed it was contributing to health problems he was experiencing.
The shooting began shortly before 5:00 PM on Febuary 24, 2023. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky reported that four buildings on the CDC campus sustained bullet impacts. No CDC employees or Emory University personnel were reported injured.
The Georgia bureau of Investigation (GBI) is leading the investigation,stating that the complex scene requires extensive evidence collection and numerous interviews. The GBI anticipates a lengthy investigative process.
Family members of Jeremy White declined to comment when approached by FOX 5 News. attempts by the Associated Press to reach the family via phone were unsuccessful.
Background: The CDC and emory University Area
The CDC campus, located in the Druid Hills neighborhood of Atlanta, is a major hub for public health research and disease prevention. Emory University, a leading research institution, is adjacent to the CDC and shares a collaborative relationship with the agency. The area is generally considered a secure campus, though it is indeed open to the public during business hours.The CVS Pharmacy where the suspect died is a frequently visited location for CDC and Emory employees.
officer David Rose’s death marks the latest in a series of incidents involving law enforcement officers responding to active shooter situations. His passing underscores the inherent risks faced by police officers in the line of duty.
Source: This report is based on information from the Associated Press, FOX 5 Atlanta, and statements from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
