A terrifying scene is unfolding in Atlanta, Georgia, as Emory University remains on lockdown after reports of an active shooter on campus. The nearby Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also been locked down as a precaution.
According to a CDC source, the entire CDC campus has been secured. It sits directly across Clifton Avenue from the Emory Point CVS, the reported location of the incident. Law enforcement says the CDC has not been breached.
The shooting happened in a dense, mixed-use area full of shops, restaurants, apartments, and students. It’s a familiar part of town for many — and now, it’s a crime scene.
“It sounded like fireworks going off, one right after the other,” said Brandy Giraldo, chief operating officer of local deli General Muir. Her staff locked themselves inside after hearing the shots.
Others nearby described chaos and confusion. Randy Gold, who was leaving Emory University Hospital, said, “We were actually exiting the hospital. My father was just discharged so we were rolling out of the elevator in a wheelchair. As soon as we turned towards the exit, people were running toward us, doctors, nurses, the valet parkers, everybody screaming that there’s an active shooter.” He and his father took shelter in a nearby office. The hospital is now under lockdown.
An Atlanta resident who goes by @HamiltonBrbr on X (formerly Twitter) captured what sounded like more than 30 gunshots on video. He initially thought the noise was from nearby construction but quickly realized something was wrong. “It started feeling more and more suspicious,” he said.
The clip he posted reveals the repeated crack of gunfire, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Emergency responders are flooding the area. Police from DeKalb County, Emory University, and the Atlanta Police Department are on scene, joined by police helicopters circling low overhead. Firefighters in ballistic vests and helmets were also seen responding.
The FBI is also involved. “FBI Atlanta says it is enroute” and is “coordinating with local partners for any assistance that might be needed,” CNN reported.
The shooting is taking place in the eastern part of Atlanta, a region that falls within both DeKalb and Fulton counties. Emory University is located within city limits, and local law enforcement is urging everyone nearby to stay inside.
“We’re dealing with an active investigation,” DeKalb County Police told reporters.
Nearly an hour after the first emergency alert, Emory University continued to urge people to shelter in place: “Avoid the area,” the school posted. “Continue shelter in place. Police on scene.”
As the situation develops, authorities say they will release more information when they can safely establish a media staging area.
