ATLANTA, GA — Authorities have identified the gunman responsible for Friday’s deadly shooting outside Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia. The violent encounter claimed the life of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, 33, and left another officer with non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident began at approximately 4:50 p.m. near the CDC’s Roybal Campus and the Emory Point shopping district. Officer Rose, a recent graduate of the police academy assigned to the North Central precinct, was among the first to arrive after reports of an armed suspect firing toward multiple CDC buildings.
As Officer Rose confronted White, gunfire erupted, fatally striking the officer. Witnesses said White appeared to target the CDC facilities before retreating into a CVS store at Emory Point. Inside, an intense exchange of gunfire occurred on the second floor between the suspect and responding officers. White was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators have not yet determined whether he died from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) described the aftermath as a “complex crime scene,” with shattered windows at several CDC buildings, shell casings scattered across multiple locations, and a large perimeter secured for forensic work.
In response to the shooting, Emory University and CDC facilities were immediately placed on lockdown. Staff, students, and visitors sheltered in place while security teams swept the area. Children from the CDC daycare were safely evacuated and reunited with their families. Officials confirmed that no civilians were injured during the attack.
White’s motive remains under investigation, but early reports suggest his family believed he harbored resentment toward the CDC and the COVID-19 vaccine, which he allegedly blamed for a personal illness. Neighbors described him as friendly and helpful in the past — often mowing lawns and walking dogs — but noted a sharp decline in his physical health and an increasingly vocal stance against vaccinations in recent years.
The shooting drew a massive multi-agency response, including Atlanta Police, DeKalb County Police, Emory Police, Georgia State Patrol, FBI, GBI, ATF, and surrounding municipal police departments.
Officer Rose leaves behind his wife, two young children, and a third child on the way. “This officer responded to the call as he was trained to do,” said Interim DeKalb County Police Chief Greg Padrick. “He was committed to serving the community and gave the ultimate sacrifice in doing so.”
Funeral arrangements for Officer Rose are expected to be announced in the coming days. The GBI continues to lead the investigation into the shooting, seeking to piece together a complete timeline of events and determine the exact sequence of gunfire that ended both men’s lives.
If you’d like, I can also prepare a memorial-style piece focusing on Officer Rose’s life and service for a more personal tribute.
Here’s the long-form write-up for the Emory University/CDC shooting:
Suspect Identified in Deadly Shooting Outside CDC and Emory University; Officer David Rose Killed
ATLANTA, GA — Authorities have identified the gunman responsible for Friday’s deadly shooting outside Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia. The violent encounter claimed the life of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, 33, and left another officer with non-life-threatening injuries, according to information obtained by Channel 2 NOW.
The incident began at approximately 4:50 p.m. near the CDC’s Roybal Campus and the Emory Point shopping district. Officer Rose, a recent graduate of the police academy assigned to the North Central precinct, was among the first to arrive after reports of an armed suspect firing toward multiple CDC buildings.
As Officer Rose confronted White, gunfire erupted, fatally striking the officer. Witnesses said White appeared to target the CDC facilities before retreating into a CVS store at Emory Point. Inside, an intense exchange of gunfire occurred on the second floor between the suspect and responding officers. White was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators have not yet determined whether he died from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) described the aftermath as a “complex crime scene,” with shattered windows at several CDC buildings, shell casings scattered across multiple locations, and a large perimeter secured for forensic work.
In response to the shooting, Emory University and CDC facilities were immediately placed on lockdown. Staff, students, and visitors sheltered in place while security teams swept the area. Children from the CDC daycare were safely evacuated and reunited with their families. Officials confirmed that no civilians were injured during the attack.
White’s motive remains under investigation, but early reports suggest his family believed he harbored resentment toward the CDC and the COVID-19 vaccine, which he allegedly blamed for a personal illness. Neighbors described him as friendly and helpful in the past — often mowing lawns and walking dogs — but noted a sharp decline in his physical health and an increasingly vocal stance against vaccinations in recent years.
The shooting drew a massive multi-agency response, including Atlanta Police, DeKalb County Police, Emory Police, Georgia State Patrol, FBI, GBI, ATF, and surrounding municipal police departments.
Officer Rose leaves behind his wife, two young children, and a third child on the way. “This officer responded to the call as he was trained to do,” said Interim DeKalb County Police Chief Greg Padrick. “He was committed to serving the community and gave the ultimate sacrifice in doing so.”
Funeral arrangements for Officer Rose are expected to be announced in the coming days. The GBI continues to lead the investigation into the shooting, seeking to piece together a complete timeline of events and determine the exact sequence of gunfire that ended both men’s lives.
If you’d like, I can also prepare a memorial-style piece focusing on Officer Rose’s life and service for a more personal tribute.
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