The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has confirmed the identity of the individual who opened fire at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old resident of Kennesaw, Georgia. Tragically, during the chaotic events of the shooting, Officer David Rose of the DeKalb County Police Department was fatally wounded.
The violent incident occurred on a Friday, when White unleashed gunfire from across the street, targeting the CDC headquarters. The attack resulted in shattered windows across the expansive campus and led to the officer suffering mortal injuries. Bullet casings were scattered across the sidewalk outside a nearby CVS pharmacy, amplifying the chaos of the scene.
This brazen attack prompted a significant response from law enforcement agencies, focusing on one of the most critical public health institutions in the United States. According to CDC Director Susan Monarez, at least four buildings on the campus were struck by gunfire during the onslaught. Images shared by CDC employees revealed the extensive damage, with multiple windows pockmarked by bullets, highlighting the precarious situation for the thousands of scientists and staff dedicated to vital disease research.
In the wake of the shooting, the CVS pharmacy remained closed as of Saturday morning, with visible damage, including a bullet hole in its front door. A single bouquet was placed outside the establishment as a somber tribute to the tragic events that unfolded. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens described the shooter as a “known person that may have some interest in certain things,” without revealing further details about White.
According to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, the shooter was pronounced dead at the scene, although the circumstances surrounding his death—whether due to police action or self-inflicted—remain unclear. Reports indicate that White was armed with a long gun, and law enforcement officials recovered three additional firearms at the site. The investigation is ongoing, and the motive behind the shooting has yet to be determined, as indicated by Mayor Dickens.
Officer David Rose, 33, was a distinguished former Marine who served in Afghanistan. He graduated from the police academy in March and quickly gained respect among his peers for his unwavering dedication, courage, and professionalism. DeKalb County expressed their condolences, noting, “This evening, there is a wife without a husband. There are three children, one unborn, without a father,” as stated by DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.
The GBI is spearheading the investigation into this tragic shooting. In their statement, they emphasized that piecing together the events will take considerable time due to the complexity of the scene. “There is extensive evidence to collect due to the complex scene,” the agency stated. They also noted that numerous interviews are being conducted, and the investigation is expected to span an extended period.
