Neighborhood on Edge After CDC Shooting
ATLANTA – The atmosphere in the area surrounding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was tense following a shooting incident. Workers at nearby businesses, including a Jewish deli, shared their shock and confusion as gunfire erupted.
Nial Benton, a deli employee, recalled the moment one of his managers alerted staff about an active shooter. “It felt surreal,” he said. “You never expect this to happen.”
Jason Arel-Klein, also working at the deli, described the sounds: “It was like firecrackers. I couldn’t tell if we were safe since we were so close to the CDC.”
In videos from the scene, rapid gunfire can be heard, leaving many people unsure of how to protect themselves. Benton reported seeing a distressed woman rush from a bus, trying to find safety. He and his executive chef directed her inside the deli to keep her safe.
As the chaos unfolded, Benton’s instincts kicked in. “I called my girlfriend to tell her I love her,” he shared, acknowledging the uncertainty of the situation.
Tragically, the incident led to the deaths of a DeKalb police officer, David Rose, 33, and the suspected shooter, 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White. The shooter died inside a CVS across from the CDC.
Authorities, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, are looking into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Recent studies show that incidents like this have been rising across America, with a 30% increase in active shooter situations reported from 2017 to 2021. An analysis published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) highlights that many of these events occur in public spaces, emphasizing the need for community safety measures.
As communities react to these incidents, many turn to social media to share their feelings and experiences. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram have become outlets for discussing fears and expressing solidarity in the wake of tragedies.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence in everyday life. While it can feel impossible to prepare for such incidents, fostering awareness and prioritizing mental health support can help communities cope and recover together.
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