Fatal Shooting Near CDC in Atlanta Leaves Community Shaken; Officials Reassure Staff
ATLANTA — A deadly shooting near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) campus in Atlanta on Friday afternoon has left one police officer dead and the community in mourning. The incident sparked immediate lockdowns at the CDC and nearby Emory University as law enforcement secured the area.
The suspect was identified by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia, approximately 30 miles from the crime scene. Authorities found White dead from a gunshot wound on the second floor of a CVS pharmacy where the shooting took place, armed with a long gun. Multiple other firearms were also recovered nearby.
According to neighbors, White expressed strong antivaccine sentiments prior to the shooting; he reportedly believed the COVID-19 vaccine had made him sick. Investigators are exploring whether these beliefs motivated the attack. The shooting began around 5 p.m. local time, with gunfire reported inside the CVS and several rounds striking the CDC building.
Emergency responders immediately placed the CDC and Emory University on lockdown for several hours. Security measures were heightened as officials worked to secure the scene and ensure staff safety. CDC leadership has since sought to reassure employees, emphasizing support and available resources in the aftermath of the trauma.
A police officer at the scene was killed during the altercation, adding to the gravity of the event. Local and federal agents continue to investigate the motive and timeline, while community members express shock and grief over the violence occurring so close to vital public health institutions.
Patrick White’s neighbors described the incident as “unnerving” and unexpected, highlighting the difficulty of reconciling the violent act with their prior impressions of him. Authorities remain tight-lipped on specifics of the investigation but confirm that the suspect acted alone.
The shooting has raised concerns about safety at major public health centers and the potential impact of misinformation and vaccine hesitancy on acts of violence. Atlanta officials and the CDC have vowed to increase security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the community comes to grips with the tragedy, counseling and support services are being made available for CDC employees and first responders affected by the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.