Authorities have identified the suspect in Friday’s deadly shooting near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters as 47-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia. The incident claimed the lives of White and Officer David Rose of the DeKalb County Police Department.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said the shooting occurred near Emory University, with multiple rounds striking four CDC campus buildings. Images from the scene showed windows shattered by gunfire. Investigators have not confirmed a motive, but law enforcement sources told the New York Times that White believed the COVID-19 vaccine had harmed his health and may have targeted the CDC.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the suspect had “some interests in certain things” but declined to elaborate pending the ongoing investigation.
Timeline of the Incident
According to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, a 911 call reporting an active shooter was received at 4:50 p.m. from a CVS pharmacy on Clifton Road, across from the CDC and near the Emory campus. Responding officers found an injured officer outside and heard gunfire inside.
White was discovered on the pharmacy’s second floor, fatally wounded. Authorities have yet to determine whether his injuries were self-inflicted or sustained during an exchange of gunfire with police. He died at the scene.
CDC Director Susan Monarez told staff that leaders were “heartbroken” by the attack and praised employees for their professionalism under duress.
Suspect’s Background
White, who lived about 30 miles from the scene, had reportedly been reported as suicidal by his father earlier in the day. A neighbor told the New York Times that White frequently expressed anti-vaccine views, believing they had harmed him and others.
Authorities said the crime scene’s complexity will require a lengthy investigation, with interviews and evidence collection still underway.
Fallen Officer Remembered
The DeKalb County Police Department identified the slain officer as 33-year-old David Rose, a former U.S. Marine who served in Afghanistan. Rose is survived by his pregnant wife and two daughters.
“He was committed to serving the community,” said Interim Police Chief Greg Padrick. “It’s a noble profession we all do. We answer the call to serve our community, and he gave his life to that commitment.”
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson called for community prayers, describing Rose as a dedicated officer and family man.
Friday’s shooting was the second in Atlanta in less than a week. Earlier, an Army sergeant opened fire at his post, injuring five colleagues.
