Incident at CDC Headquarters
ATLANTA – A man recently opened fire with a long gun at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters, firing over 180 rounds. He claimed he intended to break into a safe to access his father’s firearm and express his discontent regarding the Covid-19 vaccine.
According to Chris Hossey of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, documents discovered during a search of Patrick Joseph White’s home revealed his complaints about the vaccine. White, aged 30, noted in his writings that he wanted to raise public awareness about his views on the vaccine.
In the weeks preceding the shooting, he reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts, which prompted concerns that led law enforcement to be contacted. Tragically, he died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fatally shooting a police officer.
FBI Special Agent Paul Brown addressed a recent unfounded threat regarding the CDC and its vaccination efforts. He mentioned that investigations are ongoing but noted that they haven’t seen a significant rise in such threats.
Authorities stated that White’s family was actively involved in the investigation. Notably, White had no prior criminal record. After securing a search warrant at the family’s home in Kennesaw, Georgia, investigators collected documents for analysis and confiscated electronic devices for forensic examination.
They also found five firearms, which included the gun belonging to his father. Hossey pointed out that White did not have a gun safety lock and had forcibly accessed the weapon.
Security footage showed that a CDC guard intervened as White attempted to leave the premises, driving toward a pharmacy nearby. The bullets impacted many windows on the campus, leaving employees in a precarious situation during the ordeal. More than 500 shell casings were collected from the scene.
In light of these events, CDC officials are currently reviewing security measures at the campus and ensuring that staff remains informed about potential threats.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health, visited the CDC site recently and spoke with CDC Director Susan Monares. In a statement, he emphasized that no one should face violence while working to protect public health, reiterating the federal health officials’ support for CDC personnel.
Following the tragic incident, Kennedy met with the wife of the slain officer, highlighting a deeper concern for safety and well-being among health professionals. The suspect’s photo is expected to be released soon, but Hosey suggested that the public focus instead on remembering the officers involved.
In a related discussion, some CDC employees have voiced their need for enhanced protections, particularly as staffing changes occur amid challenging political climates. A former employee remarked that years of misinformation concerning vaccines have adversely affected mental health and potentially contributed to acts of violence.
