Authorities have identified David Rose as the police officer who was fatally killed in the tragic shooting that took place near Emory University, find out more below
The active-shooter incident, which took place at a CVS near Emory University, happened on Friday afternoon, sparking a massive police response.
Who is David Rose, DeKalb County police officer killed in Atlanta shooting near CDC HQ-Emory University
DeKalb County Police Department Officer David Rose, 33, has been identified as the officer who was shot and killed whilst responding to an active shooter incident near Emory University and the CDC Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia earlier today.
Rose is survived by his wife, two… pic.twitter.com/esHCm0WGBE
— Noteworthy News (@newsnoteworthy) August 9, 2025
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 pic.twitter.com/SfCY7oHnPI
— DeKalb County Police Department (@DeKalbCountyPD) August 9, 2025
Aside from David, four people were hospitalized for stress-related symptoms, but no civilians were shot and no one else was killed.
Police officer David Rose killed in Emory University shooting
A police officer named David Rose was tragically killed in the recent shooting that took place near Emory University. The shooting took place around 4:50 p.m., as officers rushed to the CVS at Emory Point following a 911 call. Upon the arrival of the first responders, they found officer Rose critically wounded and they immediately took him to Emory University Hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
The shooting took place inside the store, where police located the gunman on the second floor, suffering from gunshot wounds. Atlanta Fire Rescue managed to pull him out for medical aid, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. According to investigators, the suspect fired multiple rounds and shattered windows at the CDC building before eventually dying himself.
Atlanta shooting: A DeKalb County police officer, David Rose, was shot and killed responding to an active shooter incident near the CDC and Emory University campus in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday afternoon.
The shooter fired multiple shots at the CDC buildings before being found… pic.twitter.com/lKQWTjBS6q
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) August 9, 2025
Motive behind the shooting
As of now, the exact motive behind the shooting remains unknown, as investigators have yet to release the suspect’s identity or the exact circumstances that led to the attack. Officials are currently reviewing security footage, interviewing witnesses, and asking the public for any kind of information related to the gunman.
The suspect who is dead is believed to have been motivated by a belief that he fell ill due to the COVID-19 vaccine and targeted the CDC due to it.
Tributes and condolences
Following the news about the tragic death, Interim Police Chief Greg issued a statement calling Rose a dedicated officer who “responded to the call as he was trained to do.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also honored first responders and mourned Rose’s loss, saying,
We are heartbroken over the loss of one of Georgia’s finest.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also expressed his condolences to the officer’s family and praised Rose’s bravery. Fellow officers and community members have also been leaving flowers and messages outside the precinct in his memory.
David Rose biography and age
David Rose was a well-respected American police officer who was born in 1991. He tragically passed away on 8th August, 2025, at the age of 33. He joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024, and had since built a reputation for professionalism, courage, and dedication to public service over the years.
Police career
David Rose served in the North Central precinct, where colleagues described him as a dependable and fearless man.
Wife and children
David Rose leaves behind his wife, and two young children, along with a third child on the way. There is currently no exact information about their names and other details. His friends described him as a devoted family man who managed to balance the demands of police work with deep love and care for his family.
