Authorities in Atlanta are investigating a deadly shooting incident near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters.

Law enforcement officials report that the suspected gunman is deceased, and the immediate threat to the public has been neutralized. However, police continue to urge the public to avoid the area while the investigation remains active.

According to a law enforcement official, preliminary information suggests the shooter may have been motivated by a belief that he was ill and blamed his condition on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This theory emerged after police spoke with members of the suspect’s family.

The incident unfolded when the gunman approached a building at the CDC campus, placed a backpack on the ground, produced a rifle, and opened fire at the building.

A CDC employee, who witnessed the attack, immediately called 911 after hearing multiple gunshots.

The CDC campus, located adjacent to Emory University, was placed on lockdown, along with portions of the university.

The Atlanta Police Department confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that there was only one shooter involved and that he is now dead.

They emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to Emory University or the surrounding community.

During the response, a DeKalb County police officer sustained critical injuries while confronting the shooter. The officer was transported to Emory University Hospital but tragically did not survive. The reported time of death was 5:48 p.m.

The Emory College of Arts and Design had earlier posted an urgent alert on X, warning that the shooter was near Emory Point.

Georgia Department of Transportation traffic cameras captured a heavy police presence in the area.

The proximity of the shooting to the CDC heightened concerns, as the federal health agency issued an internal alert advising employees to take immediate shelter.

FBI agents have been deployed to assist local authorities in the investigation. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr expressed deep concern over the tragedy, stating, “We are horrified by the active shooter situation on or near Emory’s campus and are praying for the safety of the entire campus community. We stand ready to assist our law enforcement partners with whatever they may need.”

While initial reports indicate that no civilians were injured, the CDC headquarters did sustain gunfire damage.

Authorities are working to determine whether the CDC facility was the primary target of the attack. The investigation remains ongoing.