David Rose Obituary, Death – On Friday afternoon, a deadly shooting erupted near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters and Emory University campus in Atlanta, resulting in the death of a police officer. Authorities identified the suspected gunman as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia, who also died during the incident, possibly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No civilians were physically injured by gunfire.
The victim, DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, was shot while responding to reports of gunfire. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but later pronounced dead. Officials praised Officer Rose for his courage, integrity, and dedication, noting that he leaves behind a pregnant wife and two children. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson described the day as a “dark” one for the community.
The shooting began around 4:50 p.m., prompting Emory University to issue a shelter-in-place order and the CDC to go into lockdown. Police located the suspect on the second floor of a CVS Pharmacy across from the CDC building. Gunfire was exchanged, during which the suspect fired multiple rounds at the CDC facility, shattering windows. At the time, 92 children were inside a CDC campus daycare center but were unharmed. Four other people were hospitalized for stress and anxiety-related symptoms.
CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez expressed heartbreak over the attack, assuring that the safety and well-being of all staff remained the agency’s top priority. She said the CDC was working with federal, state, and local authorities to investigate the incident fully. In an internal email, Monarez urged employees to prioritize self-care and announced that Monday would be a remote workday for all staff.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp commended first responders for their swift actions in confronting the shooter and saving lives, asking the public to keep the victims and their families in prayer. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr also expressed his horror at the events and extended prayers for the Emory community.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and FBI Atlanta are jointly investigating the case, describing it as a complex scene requiring extensive evidence collection and numerous interviews. The White House was also monitoring developments closely.
This tragedy left the Atlanta community shaken, particularly as it occurred near prominent institutions and affected law enforcement and civilians alike. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the motive and sequence of events leading up to the fatal encounter.
