A cop was killed when an unhinged masked gunman who blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for an apparent illness unleashed a hail of bullets outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta on Friday, according to police and reports.
The deranged suspect, who died at the scene, opened fire on at least four CDC buildings and then stormed into a building across the street that houses a CVS at Georgia’s Emory University around 4:50 p.m., forcing students to shelter in place on the last day of the summer term, authorities said.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said the alleged shooter, described as a white man, sprayed multiple rounds at law enforcement and the health agency, which also houses a daycare caring for 92 children, all of whom were unharmed.
Fox 5 Atlanta
Witnesses said the shooter was armed with multiple guns – two handguns, a rifle, and a shotgun – and was wearing what appeared to be a surgical mask when he “targeted” at the CDC’s buildings, CNN reported.
One CDC employee told the outlet he was leaving work when he saw the suspected gunman approach the steps of the agency’s campus, set down a backpack, and fire away at the building.
“We have friends and their kids who were on lockdown,” the unidentified worker said, adding that he heard at least seven shots when he called his wife to make sure his children, who attend the agency’s daycare, were safe.
“I have very close colleagues who were locked down in the office at CDC, you know, cowering or sort of sheltering in place.”
Chilling photos shared on social media showed bullet holes piercing the windows of the health agency’s headquarters, located right next to the university.
The CDC campus remained on lockdown for hours after the shooting, as officials investigated and worked to reunite the daycare’s children with their parents, officials said.
“We at the CDC are heartbroken by today’s attack on our Roybal Campus,” health officials said in a statement.
“A courageous local law enforcement officer gave their life… after a gunman opened fire on at least four CDC buildings. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of everyone at CDC. We are actively coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to fully investigate the shooter and this tragic crime.”
The crazed gunman was later found on the second floor of the CVS building with a fatal gunshot wound, after shooting DeKalb County officer David Rose, police said.
The heroic officer, who leaves behind his pregnant wife and two children, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
“This evening, there is a wife without a husband,” DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said at a press conference, where officers praised their fallen brother’s unwavering commitment to his community.