Police Believe CDC Shooter Thought COVID Vaccine Made Him Sick: Report

The gunman involved in Friday’s deadly shooting near the CDC headquarters in Atlanta may have believed he was suffering side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a law enforcement source who spoke with CNN. Police are reportedly operating under this theory after interviews with the shooter’s family.

Why This Matters

This shooting adds to a string of high-profile violent incidents in 2025. Just days earlier, an Army sergeant opened fire on his unit at Fort Stewart, also in Georgia. In April, a separate fatal shooting took place on Florida State University’s campus.

What We Know So Far

• CNN reports that the shooter may have blamed the COVID vaccine for health issues, a belief that could have been a motive.

• The shooter was said to be wearing something resembling a surgical mask, had multiple magazines of ammunition, and was equipped with ear protection, suggesting he planned the attack.

• Witnesses near the scene, including staff at The General Muir restaurant, described hearing a rapid succession of shots. One staffer said it sounded “like fireworks.”

• Emory University issued an emergency alert around 5 p.m., warning of an active shooter at the campus CVS and instructing people to “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.”

• By 6:45 p.m., Atlanta Police (APD) confirmed the shooter was dead and no further threat remained. It’s still unclear whether the fatal shot was self-inflicted.

Reactions

CDC Director Susan Monarez expressed deep sorrow over the attack, which left one law enforcement officer dead and another injured. In a statement, she praised the rapid response from DeKalb County police, CDC security, and Emory University, saying it likely prevented further casualties.

She added that the CDC is cooperating with all levels of law enforcement and thanked Governor Brian Kemp and the public for their support.

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson confirmed that the fallen officer leaves behind a pregnant wife and two children. “This is a devastating loss for the family and the community,” she said.

Governor Kemp, addressing both this incident and the earlier Fort Stewart shooting, commended first responders, calling them heroes who “ran toward danger” to protect civilians.

What’s Next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooter’s motive and background. Neither the shooter’s identity nor that of the fallen officer has been made public yet.

Source: NEWSWEEK