Atlanta CDC Shooting: What We Know About the Active Shooter Incident
On Friday, August 8, a man opened fire outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, resulting in the death of a police officer and the gunman. The incident prompted lockdowns at the CDC campus and nearby Emory University.
More Details on the Incident:
Victims: The deceased gunman was identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia. He was found dead at the scene. The police officer who was killed was David Rose of the DeKalb County Police Department.
The Attack: White opened fire from across the street around 4:50 p.m. on Friday, striking windows in at least four CDC buildings. A large-scale law enforcement response followed the initial report.
Motive: An official motive has not been confirmed by law enforcement. However, some reports, citing unnamed sources, suggest the gunman’s family believed he targeted the CDC because he blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for an unspecified illness.
Injuries and Casualties: In addition to the deaths of the officer and the gunman, no other physical injuries were reported. Four individuals were treated for anxiety symptoms. A daycare on the CDC campus with 92 children was safely evacuated during the incident.
The Aftermath: The incident triggered a "run, hide, fight" alert for the Emory University campus. The lockdown was lifted around 6:30 p.m. Friday, and authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation.
