Atlanta, August 9, 2025
News Summary
A shooting incident near the CDC and Emory University in Atlanta resulted in the death of Officer David Rose as he responded to reports of an active shooter. The shooter, Patrick Joseph White, was later found dead, and investigations are ongoing amidst heightened security concerns. Fortunately, no civilians were injured, though four individuals required treatment for stress and anxiety. This tragic event highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence in public spaces and its implications for community safety and public health.
Atlanta – A shooting incident occurred on Friday afternoon near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Emory University, resulting in the tragic death of a police officer and raising concerns about safety at public health facilities. Officer David Rose, 33, was shot while responding to reports of an active shooter and later died from his injuries. He joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September and had graduated from the police academy just months prior in March. Rose is survived by his wife and two children, with a third child on the way.
The shooter, identified as Patrick Joseph White, 30, was later found dead on the second floor of a CVS Pharmacy near the scene of the incident. White sustained gunshot wounds, though it is currently unclear whether these were self-inflicted or resulted from police return fire. He died at the location where he was discovered.
Reports of an active shooter began pouring in around 4:50 p.m., prompting Emory University to issue an alert and set off lockdown procedures at both the university and the CDC. When officers responded to the scene, they found Officer Rose injured. He was quickly transported to Emory University Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Initial reports indicated no civilians had been directly injured during the shooting; however, four individuals did seek hospital treatment for stress and anxiety related to the incident. The CDC confirmed that several buildings on its campus sustained damage during the shooting, with reports noting that over 40 bullet holes were found in multiple CDC structures. Investigations are underway to determine whether the gunfire was directed at the CDC and if White specifically targeted the vaccine facility.
CDC Director Susan Monarez reported that despite the damaging gunfire, no injuries were recorded among CDC personnel or visitors. Following the incident, CDC management approached employees about working remotely to conduct a thorough security assessment starting that Monday.
Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta acknowledged that White was “a known person,” although specific details regarding his motives were not disclosed. His father reportedly contacted authorities prior to the shooting, expressing concerns about his son’s mental health and suggesting suicidal feelings. Additionally, the daycare located on the CDC campus, which was caring for 92 children at the time, was confirmed to be safe during the event.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the ongoing investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the FBI and other agencies. The tragic event occurred just two days after another shooting incident at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where one soldier injured five service members. In light of the recent gun violence, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp condemned the incident and underscored the urgency for a national conversation about gun control and safety.
As investigations continue, many employees at the CDC are expressing concerns for their safety amidst ongoing threats against public health officials. The situation has led to additional scrutiny surrounding the mental health of individuals expressing anti-vaccine sentiments and their potential connection to violence.
Key Information
- Location: CDC and Emory University, Atlanta
- Incident: Shooting with one police officer killed and no civilian injuries reported
- Officer: David Rose, 33, a six-month-old member of the police force
- Shooter: Patrick Joseph White, 30, found dead at the scene
- Casualties: Officer Rose deceased, four individuals treated for stress and anxiety
- Investigation: Ongoing by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and others
- Impact: CDC buildings attacked; heightened security measures planned
Background Context
This incident marks another tragic example of gun violence affecting public spaces, with serious implications for law enforcement and community safety. More awareness is now being called for concerning the mental health of individuals potentially driven by disinformation around vaccines, underscoring the complex interaction between public health messaging and individual behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Atlanta near the CDC?
A shooting occurred on Friday afternoon near the CDC and Emory University, resulting in the death of Officer David Rose who was responding to reports of an active shooter.
Who was the shooter involved in the incident?
The shooter was identified as Patrick Joseph White, 30, who was found dead near the scene of the incident.
Was anyone else injured during the shooting?
Initial reports indicated no direct injuries to civilians, although four individuals sought hospital treatment for stress and anxiety related to the incident.
What are the ongoing investigations focusing on?
Investigators are examining whether the shooting was aimed at the CDC and assessing the mental state of the suspect before the incident, including any anti-vaccine sentiments he expressed.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | CDC and Emory University, Atlanta |
| Date | Friday Afternoon |
| Fatalities | 1 Police Officer |
| Shooter | Patrick Joseph White, 30 |
| Injuries | 4 individuals treated for stress/anxiety |
| Damage | Over 40 bullet holes in CDC buildings |
| Response Agencies | Georgia Bureau of Investigation, FBI |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Active Shooter Incident Near Emory University Claims Officer’s Life
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Additional Resources
- The Guardian: Atlanta CDC Shooting
- Wikipedia: Shooting Incidents in the United States
- CNN: Active Shooter at Emory University
- Google Search: Emory University Shooting
- NBC News: What We Know About the Atlanta Shooting
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence & Public Safety
- Fox 5 Atlanta: CDC Active Shooter Situation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Culture in the United States
- Washington Post: CDC Shooting Atlanta Suspect
- Google News: CDC Shooting Atlanta
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
