Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia has become the latest US institution in recent weeks to be plagued by gun violence after it reported an active shooter on campus on Friday afternoon.
The college’s Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, shared an urgent message just after 4 pm local time on social media, urging its students to “run, hide and fight”.
In a harrowing X post, the university wrote: “Emory Emergency: Active shooter on Emory Atlanta Campus at Emory Point CVS. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. Avoid the area.”
Multiple gunshots have reportedly been heard in the area, sparking widespread panic among students and local residents alike. According to eye witnesses in the area, loud sirens have been heard surrounding the university, and reports of gunshots to windows have also appeared on social media.
It remains unknown at this time, what led to the shooting or how many people have been injured.
Among the casualties we do know of however, so far news outlet Fox 5 has reported that one DeKalb County police officer had been shot, and had been taken to the nearby Grady Memorial Hospital. They did not give details of his condition. It is believed that another person, a civilian, was also shot.
Relaying his experience from the scene, the Fox5 reporter said he had heard around 10 gunshots, and had seen officers going inside the CVS location. The CVS location is situated right by the headquarters for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
One police car was also reportedly struck multiple times.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS LIVE BLOG… FOLLOW BELOW FOR UPDATES…
Video posted to social media shows moments shots rang out in Atlanta
Video taken from the backyard of an Atlanta resident has revealed the exact moments shots rang out near Emory University on Friday afternoon. In the video, faint gunshots could be heard, followed by emergency sirens in the distance.
there’s an active shooter near emory right by my apartment pic.twitter.com/o2aWGjEyIV
— hamilton. (@HamiltonBrbr) August 8, 2025
Emory says there is still a “police emergency” on campus but makes no mention of active shooter
Emory University’s Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response said in an update around 6:30 p.m. that there is still a “police emergency” on campus, around an hour and a half after first reporting an active shooter.
The office urged people to “Avoid the area. Shelter in place”, but critically this update marked the first shared that didn’t make reference to an active shooter.
Staff and students urged to shelter in place
UPDATE: Police emergency continues. Remain in place. Updates to follow https://t.co/r70PxSlzzR
— Emory College (@emorycollege) August 8, 2025
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp breaks silence on Atlanta shooting
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp speaks out on Atlanta shooting
Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has broken his silence regarding Friday’s shooting, as he denounced the violence gripping his city for the second time this week.
“Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said on X.
The governor thanked the “brave first responders” who “rushed toward the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives, reminding us of just how crucial they are.”
“We ask that you join us in holding them in our prayers, along with those harmed this evening near the CDC Center,” he said.
Less than three days ago, an active duty soldier opened fire at an Army post in Georgia on Wednesday, injuring five service members before he was subdued by witnesses and taken into custody, a military official told NBC News.
So far in Friday’s shooting, two people have been injured, including a police officer.
CDC advises employees to immediately get to safety
A source at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta has shared an email to all staff advising them to take shelter immediately as the active shooter situation continues.
Active shooter reported by the CDC campus in Atlanta. Source shares the following email that just went out to staff pic.twitter.com/M1nb28CNmS
— Allan Smith (@akarl_smith) August 8, 2025
Bullet holes seen in window of a CDC Campus building
Pictures posted to social media showed what appeared to be bullet holes in the windows of a CDC Campus building in Atlanta. Emory University, where the shooting was reported, is near the CDC Campus.
The post claimed the picture was of CDC building 21, but local or federal law enforcement has not confirmed that at this time.
FBI officials assisting local law enforcement in active shooter situation
A spokesperson for the FBI told NBC News they were in the process of sending agents to Atlanta to assist local law enforcement in the active shooter situation at Emory University
Police officer shot as further civilian possibly injured
News outlet Fox 5 has reported that one DeKalb County police officer had been shot, and has been taken to the nearby Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment.
No further details have yet been given on their condition. It is also believed that another person, a civilian, was also shot.
Large police presence race to scene
While it is currently unclear if anyone has been injured in the shooting, or if the shooter has been successfully apprehended, the location of the incident has been pinpointed to near the main campus of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A large police presence has been reported in the area, with images emerging on social media of the developing situation.
Further reports on social media have also suggested that bullets hit the CDC Building 21, which serves as the CDC’s headquarters, however this has yet to be confirmed.
Emory University Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response Guidance
Emory University Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response Guidance in the event of an active shooter.
Active shooter events are unpredictable, motives are different, and warning signs may vary, but there are three things you can do to increase chances of safety and survival: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.
It is best to run away to escape the threat, but it is important to understand this guidance is not sequential. You may need to employ these strategies in different ways as the event evolves.
Run
If a safe path is available, always try to escape or evacuate, even if others insist on staying. Do not linger to gather belongings. Encourage others to leave with you, but do not let their indecision slow down your own escape. Once out of the line of fire, try to prevent others from unknowingly walking into the danger zone and call Emory Police at 404.727.6111 or 911 when it is safe to do so.
Hide
If you can’t escape, try to hide outside the shooter’s view. If you can’t find a safe room or closet, hide behind large objects that offer protection. Seek a hiding place that doesn’t restrict your options to move. Try to remain quiet and calm. When hiding, turn out the lights, lock the doors, and silence the ringer and vibration mode on cell phones. If a door doesn’t lock, attempt to block it with furniture or other large objects.
Fight
As a last resort, if your life is at risk, working together or alone, act with aggression. Use improvised weapons—for example, a fire extinguisher or chair. Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter.
Welcome to our live coverage
There have been reports of an active shooter on campus at Emory College in Atlanta, Georgia. The university has urged staff and students to run, hide, and fight back. We’ll bring you the latest updates.
