A tragic shooting incident unfolded near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta on Friday, leaving both a police officer and a suspected gunman dead.

Authorities confirmed that the shooting happened in the vicinity of Clifton Road, close to the Emory campus and the CDC headquarters. According to police, the situation began as a confrontation between officers and the suspect, quickly escalating into an exchange of gunfire.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes, and both the officer and the suspect were transported to nearby hospitals, where they were later pronounced dead. Officials have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community and that the area has been secured.

The identity of the officer has not yet been released, pending notification of family members. The suspect’s name also remains withheld as the investigation continues.

The incident has shaken students, staff, and local residents, many of whom expressed shock that such violence occurred so close to two well-known institutions. “You just don’t expect something like this to happen here,” said one Emory student, adding that campus security alerts were issued promptly.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, are now reviewing body camera footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the sequence of events.

While the motive remains unclear, police say they are working to determine whether the suspect had any ties to the area or targeted the location intentionally.

The Emory and CDC communities are expected to hold vigils in the coming days to honor the fallen officer.