Why Is Emory University Trending Today? Inside the Breaking News Driving Surging Interest in Admissions, Rankings, and Campus Life

ATLANTA — Emory University’s main campus in DeKalb County, Georgia, is under lockdown after campus police issued an emergency “active shooter” alert just after 4 p.m. ET on Friday, August 8. The warning advised everyone on and around Clifton Road, especially near Emory Point and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) complex, to shelter in place while law-enforcement officers swept residence halls, academic buildings, and nearby retail areas. Authorities from the Atlanta Police Department, Emory Police, and DeKalb County SWAT arrived within minutes and established a unified command post on the Quadrangle lawn. A spokesperson said officers are “methodically clearing” facilities including Emory Hospital, the Rollins School of Public Health, and Woodruff Library, but have not yet confirmed casualties or the number of suspects. Parents and students have been urged to monitor @EmoryPolice on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time instructions and to avoid dialing 911 unless they have immediate information about the shooter. Timeline of events • 4:07 p.m. — First Eagle Alert text and email issued: “ACTIVE SHOOTER on or near campus. Evacuate or seek secure shelter immediately.” • 4:18 p.m. — NBC News live stream shows students barricading classroom doors with desks and lab stools. • 4:40 p.m. — Emory Healthcare transitions ER intake to diversion status, sending ambulances to Grady Memorial. • 5:02 p.m. — FBI Atlanta confirms it has dispatched tactical teams to assist local units. What we know about the location The reported gunfire originated near Emory Point, a mixed-use apartment and retail complex that sits across from the CDC and a short walk from the university’s freshman dorms. Because the area straddles both Atlanta and unincorporated DeKalb County, multiple jurisdictions are involved. Traffic is shut down along Clifton Road from Haygood Drive to Briarcliff Road; MARTA bus routes 6 and 36 are rerouted until further notice. Campus reaction Students still on summer-session schedules describe chaotic scenes: “We heard three pops, then the sirens. Everyone bolted into the chemistry building,” sophomore Maya Patel said via phone. Many international students waiting for fall move-in are sheltering in the Cox Hall food court, according to posts on the university’s internal Yammer network. Administrative response Interim President Ravi Thadhani released a brief video message at 5:15 p.m., stating, “Our priority is the safety of our community; please remain calm, stay where you are, and wait for an all-clear.” Academic programs and orientation events scheduled for the weekend are now suspended pending further notice, and counseling services will extend walk-in hours once the lockdown ends. How to stay informed • Live Eagle Alert updates: alert.emory.edu • Emory Police X feed: twitter.com/EmoryPolice • Family hotline (staffed 24/7): 404-727-1234 • Local radio: WABE 90.1 FM for emergency bulletins Safety tips during a campus active-shooter situation 1. Run if a safe escape route exists; leave belongings behind. 2. Hide in a lockable space, silence devices, and barricade doors. 3. Fight only as a last resort; improvise weapons and commit to action. 4. When police arrive, keep hands visible and follow commands immediately. Next steps Investigators will review CCTV footage from Emory Point, interview witnesses, and analyze 911 audio to establish a suspect description. The university has pledged to hold a press conference once the scene is secured, anticipated later tonight. Students, faculty, and Atlanta residents are encouraged to sign up for Fulton and DeKalb County emergency alerts to receive push notifications on any overnight developments. This story is developing and will be updated as verified information becomes available.