The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has officially identified Patrick Joseph White as the active shooter involved in a tragic incident near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The event culminated in a deadly confrontation at a CVS pharmacy located at 1600 Clifton Road.
On Friday, White was found deceased inside the CVS store. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound or as a result of police gunfire. Reports indicate that White resided in Kennesaw, Georgia.
While the GBI has yet to confirm a motive behind the shooting, some neighbors have shared their thoughts. One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, informed FOX 5’s Kim Leoffler that White had expressed discontent regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, claiming it had caused him health issues. Another neighbor, Joshua Shira, remarked that he never suspected White of being capable of such violence. Shira mentioned that he had known White casually, as he often completed yard work for his grandfather in the neighborhood.
Shira reflected on the shocking nature of the events, stating, "I had zero clue and when I seen the cops, I just wondered what was going on." He noted that he believed Friday night’s police presence may have been the first time White’s parents learned about his involvement in the shooting.
The shooting began around 4:50 p.m. on Friday when gunfire erupted inside the CVS. Reports indicate that the suspect fired multiple shots at the nearby CDC building, resulting in broken windows. In response to the threat, the CDC, Emory University, and Emory University Hospital were placed on lockdown, along with several local schools and daycares.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that officers from various agencies arrived swiftly at the scene and located the shooter on the second floor of the CVS. Tragically, during the exchange of gunfire, DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was struck and ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities reported that White was armed with a long gun, and additional firearms were recovered from the scene. The situation was declared contained by 6:30 p.m. on Friday. The GBI is now leading the ongoing investigation with support from the Atlanta Police Department’s Complex Case Squad and the FBI.
This incident has raised numerous questions regarding the motivations behind such violent actions, further emphasizing the need for community awareness and mental health resources. As the investigation continues, more information is expected to emerge, shedding light on this tragic event.
