Atlanta, Georgia – Deadly Shooting Near CDC and Emory University Claims Lives of Gunman and Officer David Rose
ATLANTA, GA — On the afternoon of August 8, 2025, a scene of chaos and terror unfolded near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters and Emory University’s Atlanta campus, leaving two people dead — including a DeKalb County police officer — and sparking an intensive investigation by state and local authorities.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has identified the shooter as Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, Georgia, a city roughly 30 miles northwest of the CDC campus. While few details have been officially released about White’s personal history, neighbors described him as generally “pleasant” in casual encounters and not overtly political, though some noted he held anti-vaccine views. Authorities have not confirmed any prior criminal record or documented mental health history, though White’s father reportedly believed his son was suicidal. That claim, however, remains unverified as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Attack
The incident began at approximately 4:50 p.m. when White entered a CVS pharmacy on Clifton Road, directly across from the CDC’s Roybal Campus and within walking distance of Emory University. From the store’s second floor, he opened fire toward CDC buildings, shattering windows and sending workers scrambling for safety. At least four CDC buildings were struck, with bullets narrowly missing employees inside.
Authorities later revealed that 92 children were inside a CDC campus daycare during the shooting. The children were unharmed but endured lockdown procedures until the area was secured.
DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, 33, responded swiftly to reports of an active shooter. As he arrived, White redirected his gunfire toward him. Officer Rose was struck and fatally wounded despite the rapid arrival of backup units.
White was found deceased on the CVS’s second floor, surrounded by an arsenal that included two handguns, a rifle, a shotgun, and two backpacks filled with ammunition. He was also wearing a surgical mask during the attack. Officials have not determined whether his death was self-inflicted or the result of police gunfire.
The Victims and Aftermath
Officer David Rose’s death has deeply shaken the law enforcement community and the residents he served. Rose, who joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024, was known as a devoted public servant committed to protecting others. He leaves behind his wife, their two children, and the impending arrival of a third child. Colleagues describe him as a “protector by nature” whose courage in facing danger reflected the highest ideals of the badge.
No civilians were physically injured in the attack, but the emotional toll has been profound. In addition to the shattered glass and bullet holes marking the CDC campus, the incident left hundreds of employees, parents, and students at Emory University shaken. The shooting triggered a “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT” alert from Emory, while nearby Emory University Hospital also went into lockdown. The area remained sealed off until approximately 6:30 p.m.
Possible Motive
While authorities have yet to release a definitive motive, law enforcement sources familiar with early investigative findings say that interviews with White’s family suggest he may have believed he was ill due to side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. Investigators are exploring whether this belief was a driving factor in his decision to target the CDC. However, the GBI has stressed that the investigation is far from complete, and no official motive has been confirmed.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
In the wake of the tragedy, tributes for Officer Rose have poured in from across Georgia and beyond. Candlelight vigils are being planned in his honor, and law enforcement agencies nationwide have extended condolences to his family and colleagues.
The CDC, Emory University, and local officials have also expressed relief that no civilians were injured despite the proximity of the gunfire to a daycare and hospital. Enhanced security reviews are now underway at facilities in the area to assess vulnerabilities and improve response protocols.
As the investigation continues, the shooting stands as a grim reminder of the unpredictable nature of targeted violence and the extraordinary risks faced by first responders. For the people of Atlanta — and especially for the family of Officer David Rose — August 8, 2025, will be remembered as a day marked by both senseless violence and extraordinary courage.
If you’d like, I can also prepare a separate memorial-focused piece solely honoring Officer David Rose’s life, service, and family, to complement this incident report. That would make it more personal and heartfelt.
