Officer David Rose - Dekalb County Police Department - Georgia

On August 8, 2025, Police Officer David Rose, of the Dekalb County Police Department (Georgia), was shot and killed responding to an active shooter at the CVS at 520 Avenue Place in Atlanta near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at Emory University.

The suspect was brandishing multiple guns, firing at the windows of the CDC building around 4:50 p.m. When law enforcement arrived, he turned and fired at the officers. Officer Rose was struck and succumbed to his wounds at Emory University Hospital.  Another officer received non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was found on the 2nd floor of the CVS with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

Officer Rose's courage, dedication, and selfless sacrifice touched the community he served and will be forever remembered. Officer Rose exemplified the bravery and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others. 

Officer Rose was 41-years-old and was a United States Marine Corps veteran.  Officer Rose had served with the DeKalb County Police Department for 11 months. He is survived by his expectant wife, two children, mother, and brother.

In October 2025, he was posthumously honored with the law enforcement Purple Heart and law enforcement Medal of Honor by the Atlanta Police Department, the Mayor of Atlanta, and the DeKalb County CEO.

As part of our "Plaques for Heroes" campaign, engraved slate memorial plaques were sent to the Dekalb County Police Department and to Officer David Rose's family at no cost to honor his service and his sacrifice to the community of Dakalb County, Georgia. Our condolences to his family, his department and the community he served.