Deadly Shooting at CDC Headquarters in Georgia
Authorities in Georgia have identified the man responsible for the fatal shooting of a police officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White. He hails from Kennesaw, Georgia.
White reportedly opened fire at the health agency before making his way to a CVS located on Atlanta’s Emory University campus around 4:50 PM on Friday.
In the ensuing chaos, DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, 33, was struck and killed while responding to reports of an active shooter near the Clifton Road Drugstore, situated across from the CDC’s main campus.
Officer Rose, who had joined the force in September 2024, was quickly taken to Emory University Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
While authorities have not confirmed whether his injuries resulted from self-inflicted wounds, it’s reported that the shooter was also injured during the incident.
A source close to the investigation mentioned that a family member indicated the suspect might have targeted the CDC after experiencing health issues related to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Emory University issued an emergency alert around 5 PM, urging students to “run” while the CDC campus went into lockdown.
Atlanta Police Chief Dallin Siebaum noted that the shooter fired multiple rounds at law enforcement and health agencies near the campus, but fortunately, no officers were injured.
Local and federal officials responded quickly to the scene, sharing images on social media that showed the damage, including bullet holes in CDC buildings.
According to CDC Director Susan Monares, at least four health agency facilities were impacted by gunfire. Reports also indicated that a police vehicle sustained around 12 bullet strikes on its windshield and hood.
Law enforcement sources disclosed that the shooter was armed with long guns, and authorities recovered three additional firearms at the location.
“We are working through a lot of evidence due to the complexity of the scene, and interviews are ongoing,” stated the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, indicating that the investigation would take considerable time.
DeKalb Police expressed their sorrow over the loss of Officer Rose, who left behind a pregnant wife and two children. They described him as a dedicated officer who served the county with “courage and integrity.”
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson shared her heartache, emphasizing the profound impact on Rose’s family. “It’s a tragic situation affecting many,” she said, urging support for those grieving this loss.
Authorities confirmed that no other civilians were harmed during the shooting.
