Patrick Joseph White – Authorities in Georgia have confirmed that the man responsible for firing more than 180 rounds at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after killing a police officer. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) identified the suspect as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White.
According to GBI Director Chris Hosey, written documents recovered from White’s home revealed his strong opposition to COVID-19 vaccinations. In these writings, White expressed a desire to make the public aware of his dissatisfaction with the vaccine. Investigators also learned that White had recently voiced suicidal thoughts, which had prompted law enforcement to become involved several weeks before the shooting incident.
White’s family is fully cooperating with authorities, and officials noted that he did not have a known criminal record. As part of the investigation, a search warrant executed at his residence led to the discovery of multiple handwritten documents and several electronic devices, all of which are undergoing detailed forensic examination.
The GBI reported that a total of five firearms were recovered from White’s home, along with other crucial pieces of evidence. Hosey explained that White had forcibly opened a secured safe to access the weapons, one of which belonged to his father and was used in the CDC attack. Investigators collected more than 500 shell casings from the crime scene, underscoring the scale of the gunfire exchanged.
Authorities also revealed that White’s actions began with the fatal shooting of a police officer before he turned the gun on himself. The motive appeared tied to his frustration over the COVID-19 vaccine, though officials are continuing to analyze all evidence to better understand his state of mind and planning leading up to the attack.
In the aftermath of the incident, law enforcement agencies have been conducting a thorough threat assessment of the CDC facility to ensure there are no ongoing risks. Officials are also making sure that all relevant government bodies are notified about any potential threats that may emerge from the investigation.
The GBI emphasized that this was an isolated incident carried out by a single individual but acknowledged the seriousness of the attack, given the number of shots fired and the location targeted. The case remains active as investigators continue to process evidence, including the seized documents and electronics, to gain further insight into White’s actions, mental state, and possible influences.
While the attack left the community shaken, officials expressed their gratitude to the law enforcement officers and emergency personnel who responded swiftly to the scene, working to secure the area and protect the public. The tragedy has also reignited discussions about firearm access, mental health intervention, and the risks posed by individuals motivated by extreme personal or political grievances.
Overall, the investigation aims to bring clarity to a violent episode that claimed two lives and targeted a major public health institution, with authorities determined to learn from the incident to prevent similar acts in the future.
