ATLANTA, Georgia – Authorities confirmed Friday night that a DeKalb County police officer was fatally shot while attempting to break up a violent brawl between Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons fans near the CDC headquarters.
The altercation erupted shortly after the NFL preseason game between the two teams, escalating from heated taunts to physical violence. Witnesses reported bottles being thrown and punches exchanged before the chaos spiraled into deadly gunfire.
Officer David Rose, 33, was on patrol when he responded to the scene just before 5 p.m., several miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the Lions had defeated the Falcons 24-17 in their preseason opener.
It was later revealed that Rose was the older brother of Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Kaden Prather, a Maryland standout drafted for his size and playmaking ability. Prather, known for his strong hands and red-zone presence, is competing for a roster spot in Buffalo’s receiving corps this season.
Rose moved quickly to separate the combatants when an unidentified suspect—believed to be one of the involved fans—opened fire, striking him multiple times. He was rushed to Emory University Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Police officers stand outside the emergency room at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The suspected gunman was also killed during subsequent gunfire inside a nearby CVS pharmacy. Investigators have not yet determined whether the fatal wound was self-inflicted or caused by police return fire.
Rose joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024 and is survived by his pregnant wife, two young children, and his NFL rookie brother preparing for his debut season in Buffalo.
"We’re asking for the community’s prayers for his family, friends, loved ones, and the entire DeKalb County Police Department family," Interim Police Chief Greg Padrick said. "Officer Rose put himself in harm’s way to protect others during what should have been a celebratory evening."
A police officer arrives at the scene of a shooting near Emory University in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, CDC Director Susan Monarez, and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock all issued statements honoring Rose’s service and sacrifice, calling his death a profound loss for the state and the community.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the FBI, is leading the probe. Several individuals from the fight were detained for questioning, but no other injuries were reported among fans. Authorities urge vigilance to prevent similar tragedies at future games.
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