Should Emory University increase its campus security measures following the nearby shooting?
Emory University Community Reels After Fatal Shooting Near CDC and Campus
On August 8, 2025, Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, was placed under lockdown after an active shooter incident erupted near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters, which borders the campus. The attack claimed the life of a DeKalb County police officer and ended with the suspect, 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, dead. Authorities confirmed the shooter acted alone, and no civilians—including 92 children in the CDC daycare—were injured. The university swiftly issued shelter-in-place orders while first responders neutralized the threat. Interim President-Elect Leah Ward Sears and President-Elect Gregory L. Fenves praised the rapid response of police, medical staff, and the campus community. The event has sparked debate about whether Emory should enhance its security protocols to address potential threats in the future.
Options
- Yes, significantly
- Yes, but modestly
- No, current measures are enough
- Not sure