Patrick Joseph White – Authorities have identified the man accused of carrying out a deadly shooting near the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Emory University in Atlanta on Friday afternoon.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) named the suspect as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, a resident of Kennesaw, Georgia. Investigators described the crime scene as highly complex, with substantial evidence to gather and numerous witness interviews to conduct. They warned the investigation would likely take an extended period to complete.
Law enforcement confirmed that the gunman died during the incident, though it remains unclear whether his death was the result of police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound. The shooting began around 4:50 p.m. when officers responded to reports of gunfire at a CVS pharmacy in Emory Point, a mixed-use development adjacent to Emory University. From there, it appeared the suspect fired toward the CDC headquarters, which sits across the street.
During the attack, 33-year-old police officer David Rose was fatally shot. Authorities later confirmed that multiple buildings at the CDC headquarters sustained damage from gunfire. CDC Director Susan Monarez reported that at least four structures on the property were struck.
A law enforcement source told the Associated Press that the suspect used a long gun during the attack. Three additional firearms were recovered at the scene, suggesting the shooter had access to multiple weapons. While police have not confirmed a motive, CNN reported that investigators are exploring whether the CDC was specifically targeted.
According to statements made by the suspect’s family, White reportedly believed he was sick and attributed his condition to the COVID-19 vaccine. His relatives indicated that this belief had affected his behavior leading up to the shooting. However, officials have not publicly linked this claim to a confirmed motive.
The GBI emphasized that the case is ongoing and that much work remains to piece together the sequence of events and the shooter’s intentions. They continue to process evidence, review surveillance footage, and speak with witnesses to build a clearer understanding of what led to the violent incident.
The shooting has drawn national attention due to its proximity to the CDC, one of the country’s leading public health institutions, and the involvement of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. The death of Officer Rose marks a significant loss for the police department and the broader community, with tributes expected from colleagues and civic leaders in the coming days.
Officials are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation. As of now, no formal conclusions have been reached regarding the suspect’s intentions, mental state, or exact sequence of actions during the deadly encounter.
