ATLANTA (BN24) — Police and emergency responders swarmed the area near Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, late Thursday afternoon after reports of an active shooter prompted urgent lockdown alerts for the campus and surrounding areas, including the nearby headquarters of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Atlanta Police Department confirmed officers were on the scene investigating the incident near Emory Point, a retail and residential complex adjacent to the university. Authorities urged residents, students and staff to avoid the area as they worked to secure the scene.
In a series of emergency alerts, Emory University warned of an “active shooter on Emory Atlanta Campus at Emory Point CVS” and instructed people to “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.” A later message told everyone to continue sheltering in place as police remained on site.
The CDC, located roughly a mile away, also went into lockdown. In an internal email shared with NBC News, the agency instructed staff at its Roybal Campus to immediately take shelter.
A DeKalb County police officer was injured during the incident and transported to a local hospital. Officials have not released the officer’s condition or the nature of the injuries.
One Emory employee described a chaotic scene after receiving the alert through the university’s phone app. “It was saying there was an active shooter and that we needed to hide. Immediately, I just go into the nearest building I can,” he told NBC affiliate WXIA. “I’m just trying to be safe… we don’t feel safe, and some of my co-workers want to leave.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said on X that “deranged criminals” had targeted innocent Georgians twice in one week. He praised the “brave first responders” who rushed toward danger, adding, “We ask that you join us in holding them in our prayers, along with those harmed this evening near the CDC Center.”
The incident remains under active investigation. Authorities have not confirmed whether Emory University or the CDC was the intended target.
