Atlanta, GA, August 16, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta police have identified a suspect involved in an assault incident where a woman was attacked by a man known as ‘BayBay.’ During the altercation, which took place on Fairlie Street, the suspect reportedly fired a gun into the air, assaulted the victim, and stomped on her multiple times. In a separate incident, a man named Patrick Joseph White fatally shot a police officer near the CDC before taking his own life, causing a lockdown in the area. Authorities are investigating both cases.
Atlanta police have identified a man involved in an assault incident that occurred earlier this month. The suspect, known by the alias “BayBay,” allegedly fired a gunshot into the air during an argument with the victim on August 7 at around 7:20 p.m. The incident took place at the intersection of Fairlie Street NW and Marietta Street NW in the Five Points neighborhood. Following the gunshot, the suspect reportedly hit the victim in the face and stomped on her multiple times. The severity of the victim’s injuries has not been disclosed. Police confirmed the suspect’s identification on Saturday.
In an unrelated incident, a shooting occurred on August 8, near the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. The attacker, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia, fatally shot DeKalb County police officer David Rose before taking his own life. Officer Rose, 33, was a Marine veteran and had recently graduated from the police academy. The shooting took place just before 5 p.m. on Clifton Road, directly across from the main entrance to the CDC campus.
White reportedly fired nearly 200 rounds, striking six CDC buildings, with over 500 shell casings found at the scene. Thankfully, no CDC employees or nearby daycare children were harmed during the incident. According to law enforcement, the firearms used in the shooting belonged to White’s father, and it is alleged that White broke into a family safe to acquire them. Family members of White are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
In the lead-up to the shooting, White had expressed concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines, claiming they had caused him mental health issues such as depression and suicidal thoughts. Law enforcement had been contacted weeks before the incident regarding White’s mental health concerns. Following the shooting, Officer Mark Morgan of the Emory University Police Department engaged with White during the confrontation, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been asked to investigate Officer Morgan’s use of force, as is standard procedure in such cases.
White’s body was later found on the second floor of a CVS building near the CDC campus. Meanwhile, the ongoing crisis surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has placed the CDC under scrutiny due to controversies related to vaccine misinformation.
In response to the shooting, a lockdown was implemented around the area, leaving parents and residents in a heightened state of alert. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed condolences to the family of Officer Rose and support to CDC employees, acknowledging the continuing challenges faced by the agency.
The community is reeling from the emotional impact of the shooting, with many local residents and staff expressing severe fear during and following the incident. As investigations by the GBI and other agencies continue, more details are expected to emerge regarding both the assault case and the tragic shooting incident.
FAQs
What happened in the assault incident in Atlanta?
An individual known by the alias “BayBay” allegedly assaulted a woman on August 7, firing a gun into the air during an argument, hitting her, and stomping on her multiple times.
What occurred during the CDC shooting incident?
Patrick Joseph White opened fire near the CDC on August 8, fatally shooting a police officer before taking his own life. White fired nearly 200 rounds but fortunately, no employees from the CDC were harmed.
How are authorities responding to these incidents?
The GBI is investigating the use of force by police during the CDC shooting incident, and authorities are gathering information following the assault incident on Fairlie Street.
Key Features of the Incidents
| Feature | Atlanta Assault Incident | CDC Shooting Incident |
|---|---|---|
| Date | August 7 | August 8 |
| Main Individual | Unknown (alias “BayBay”) | Patrick Joseph White |
| Key Actions | Assault with gunfire | Fired nearly 200 rounds, killed officer |
| Injuries | Victim’s injuries unknown | Officer David Rose killed |
| Investigation | Ongoing | GBI investigating use of force |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- The New York Times
- CBS News
- The Guardian
- Wikipedia: 2025 Atlanta shooting incidents
- Google Search: CDC shooting Atlanta August 2025
- Google Scholar: COVID-19 vaccine misinformation shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Google News: Atlanta police assault August 2025
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.
