A police officer was critically wounded in a shooting outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the area.
According to authorities, the suspect opened fire near the CDC campus before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement swiftly launched a manhunt, leading to the arrest of the individual shortly afterward. The injured officer was rushed to hospital and remains in serious condition.
Swift Police Response
Atlanta Police Department confirmed that officers responded immediately to reports of gunfire near the federal facility. The quick apprehension of the suspect prevented further escalation, though the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
CDC Operations Unaffected
A CDC spokesperson confirmed that operations at the headquarters were not disrupted, though security was temporarily heightened as a precaution. Employees were advised to remain vigilant while law enforcement secured the area.
Investigations are ongoing, with federal and local authorities collaborating to determine the circumstances of the shooting. The FBI has also been notified due to the proximity to a federal institution.
Community Reaction
Local leaders expressed outrage over the attack, calling it a brazen assault on law enforcement. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens condemned the violence, stating, "Our officers put their lives on the line daily, and this act is unacceptable."
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as emergency vehicles flooded the area. "I heard multiple shots and saw people running," said one bystander. "It was terrifying."
This marks another incident of violence targeting law enforcement in the US, reigniting debates over officer safety and gun control.
