Atlanta, August 10, 2025
News Summary
The CDC will transition over 10,000 employees to remote work due to a targeted shooting incident at its Atlanta headquarters. The attack resulted in the death of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose and raised concerns about safety among CDC personnel. The alleged shooter, Patrick Joseph White, was found dead nearby and had multiple firearms. The agency is implementing heightened security measures and plans to hold an all-staff meeting to address employee concerns as investigations continue.
Atlanta
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that over 10,000 employees would be working remotely starting Monday in response to a targeted shooting incident that occurred on Friday at the agency’s headquarters in Atlanta. Only essential on-site personnel will be allowed access to the CDC buildings during this period as heightened security measures are implemented.
Patrick Joseph White, a resident of Kennesaw, has been identified as the alleged shooter. He is believed to have shot and killed DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose while Officer Rose was responding to the scene of the incident. This tragedy has triggered an investigation by both local and federal law enforcement agencies, focusing on potential threats to the CDC and its staff.
The shooting incident, characterized by CDC leadership as a targeted attack associated with tensions surrounding COVID-19, led to gunfire striking four buildings within the compound. This includes critical facilities that house the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases and the Executive Office. Law enforcement officials reported that at least 40 bullet holes were found in these buildings, indicating that the shooting was deliberate.
The alleged shooter was reportedly armed with multiple firearms, including handguns, a rifle, and a shotgun, along with additional ammunition loaded in backpacks. Eyewitness accounts described a scene of chaos, with many employees feeling vulnerable and exposed during the attack. The shooter was later found dead in a nearby CVS drugstore. Early indications suggest he may have been suffering from mental health issues and may have wrongly believed he was unwell due to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Officer David Rose had joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024 and was fatally shot during the unfolding events. In light of the attack, the CDC has reassured employees that there will be increased security and patrols by local law enforcement in the area. Furthermore, an all-staff meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to address concerns among CDC personnel and provide updates regarding the safety measures in place.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, alongside CDC leadership, has voiced support for the affected employees and the family of Officer Rose during this challenging time. The incident also resulted in lockdowns at nearby schools and daycares, with officials confirming that all children reported safe. This situation has underscored ongoing tensions related to public health policies, especially concerning vaccine misinformation, which may have played a role in the attack.
As the investigation continues, the CDC remains committed to the safety and well-being of its staff, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity in addressing the fears and concerns that have arisen from this unfortunate event.
FAQ
What triggered the CDC to move to remote work?
The CDC decided to transition to remote work for over 10,000 employees following a targeted shooting incident that occurred at their Atlanta headquarters.
Who was involved in the shooting incident?
The alleged shooter, Patrick Joseph White, shot DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, who later died from his injuries while responding to the scene.
What measures are being taken to ensure employee safety?
The CDC is implementing intensified security measures and additional patrols by local police. An all-staff meeting is also scheduled to address safety concerns.
How many buildings were affected by the shooting?
Four buildings at the CDC were struck by gunfire during the incident.
Was anyone else injured during the incident?
Details concerning the injuries of other individuals have not been clarified, but the shooting has prompted widespread concern among CDC employees and the surrounding community.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- ABC News
- CNN
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Google Search: CDC shooting Atlanta
- Google Scholar: CDC shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: CDC
- Google News: CDC shooting news
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.
