Atlanta, GA, August 9, 2025

News Summary

A tragic shooting incident occurred near the CDC Atlanta campus, resulting in the death of DeKalb County police officer David Rose. The shooter, Patrick Joseph White, was involved in an exchange of gunfire with officers, leading to his death as well. Another officer was injured, but no civilian injuries were reported. The ongoing investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation seeks to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and the shooter’s motive, which may be linked to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Atlanta: DeKalb County Police Officer Killed in Active Shooter Incident

An active shooter incident near the CDC Atlanta campus and Emory Point shopping area on August 8 resulted in the death of DeKalb County police officer David Rose, who was 33 years old. The suspect, identified as Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old man from Kennesaw, Georgia, was shot and killed during a confrontation with law enforcement.

The shooting began around 4:50 p.m. when White reportedly attempted to enter the CDC headquarters but was denied access. Following this, he opened fire toward several buildings at the CDC before fleeing to a nearby CVS store, where he engaged in a gunfight with responding officers. Officer Rose, the first to arrive on the scene, was critically injured and subsequently died at Emory University Hospital.

Another officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the chaotic event. Thankfully, there were no reported civilian injuries, although many individuals sought medical assistance due to stress and anxiety.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the response included the Atlanta Police, DeKalb County Police, and the FBI, among others. Both Emory University and CDC went into lockdown during the incident, with children from an on-site daycare safely evacuated and reunited with their families.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Patrick Joseph White are still under investigation, as it remains unclear whether he was shot by police or died from a self-inflicted wound. First responders are diligently processing evidence and conducting interviews to uncover the motive behind the shooting. Although no official motive has been confirmed, sources indicate that White’s family believed he targeted the CDC because of an illness he linked to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Extensive damage was reported at the CDC with multiple windows struck by gunfire. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the ongoing investigation, which is projected to take an extensive period due to the need for thorough assessment and evidence gathering.

Officer David Rose was a recent graduate of the police academy and had joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024. He leaves behind a wife and three children, one of whom is expected shortly. The interim chief of the DeKalb County Police expressed his condolences and highlighted Rose’s dedication to the community.

Following the incident, the CDC has advised employees to work from home until a complete security assessment is carried out, allowing for a safe return to the office. Atlanta’s mayor extended condolences to the family of Officer Rose, emphasizing the need for a dialogue regarding gun violence in the United States.

Key Details of the Incident

• Shooting Date: August 8, 2024
• Suspect: Patrick Joseph White, 30, from Kennesaw, GA
• Officer Killed: David Rose, 33
• Other Officer Injured: Non-life-threatening injuries
• Location: Near CDC Atlanta and Emory Point CVS
• Agencies Involved: Atlanta Police, DeKalb County Police, FBI, GBI, ATF
• Civilian Injuries: None reported, some experienced anxiety
• Investigation Status: Ongoing

Background Context

This tragic occurrence is one of several incidents highlighting the growing concern over gun violence in the United States. Officer David Rose’s untimely death serves as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers while protecting their communities. The ongoing investigation is crucial to understanding what led to this violent encounter and preventing similar future events.

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Additional Resources

• 11Alive
• Wikipedia: Shooting
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google Search: Atlanta shooting CDC Emory University
• NBC News
• Google Scholar: CDC shooting Atlanta
• Washington Post
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
• The Guardian
• Google News: Gun Violence USA

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.