The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has identified the gunman in Friday’s deadly shooting outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters near Emory University as Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, GA.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said White was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds on the second floor of the building housing a CVS at 1600 Clifton Road. It remains unclear whether his wounds were self-inflicted or the result of police return fire.
While the GBI has not released a motive, CNN reported that White allegedly targeted the CDC because he blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for his illness. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens described the shooter as “a known person who might have some interest in certain things.”
A Fallen Officer
DeKalb County Interim Police Chief Greg Padrick confirmed that Officer David Rose was killed in the line of duty. Rose leaves behind a wife, two children, and another child on the way, according to DeKalb CEO Loraine Cochran-Johnson.
Witness Hattie Gegax told Rough Draft she saw the officer being shot.
“I heard popping and saw smoke so I stopped my car. A police Tahoe pulled up and cut right in front of me. A police officer jumped out and came around the side but then a second later I watched him get blown backward,” Gegax said. “At first I thought he was going for cover behind the car but then he wasn’t really moving, so I kind of realized. It was insane, then another cop began pushing cars back down the hill where we came from. I am so sorry for his family and friends and am very grateful for his sacrifice.”
Chaos on Campus
The shooting began around 5 p.m., prompting Emory University to issue an alert urging students and staff to “Run, Hide, Fight.” Bullets struck four CDC buildings, damaging several windows. Channel 2 Action News reported that Officer Rose was rushed to nearby Emory University Hospital, where he died.
More than 90 children and staff members at the Clifton School, a daycare on Clifton Road, were forced to shelter in place for hours as the active shooting situation unfolded.
Video and eyewitness posts on X captured the sound of rapid gunfire from nearby apartments. The FBI’s Atlanta field office confirmed it responded to the scene alongside local law enforcement.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Subscribe to our newsletters here.