Atlanta authorities are continuing their investigation following a fatal shooting on Friday afternoon near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters and Emory University in Atlanta. The incident left two dead, including a DeKalb County police officer and the suspected gunman, while no other injuries were reported.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the suspect as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia. White died at the scene from a gunshot wound after a confrontation inside a CVS pharmacy adjacent to the CDC and Emory campuses. Officer David Rose of the DeKalb County Police Department was also killed in the shooting.
The shooting erupted just before 5 p.m. near the main entrance to the CDC’s Roybal Campus, instigating a rapid law enforcement response and security lockdowns. The CDC and Emory University immediately initiated shelter-in-place orders, which remained in effect until shortly after 6:30 p.m., as authorities secured the area.
Video and images posted online revealed multiple bullet impacts on windows of CDC buildings, underscoring the seriousness of the attack on one of the nation’s crucial public health institutions. CDC Director Susan Monarez described the shooting as an “attack on our Roybal Campus” and announced that Monday would be a remote workday to allow for a comprehensive security assessment before staff return to the offices.
Officials have not yet confirmed a motive, but sources close to the investigation reported that White held anti-vaccine views and blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for his ill health. A neighbor who knew White said he expressed these sentiments multiple times, and this has led to speculation that the CDC was targeted due to its role in public health and vaccine advocacy.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens acknowledged the ongoing investigation and refrained from confirming specific motives publicly, saying the suspect had interests that are still being reviewed with caution. Meanwhile, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed deep sadness over the shooting, emphasizing the importance of protecting public health workers who face violence while serving the community.
Witnesses near the scene recalled hearing continuous gunshots described as rapid, firework-like bursts. The affected area is known for its wooded, affluent neighborhoods and is typically congested, making the lockdown and rapid police response notably tense and thorough.
As authorities continue their work, reassurance efforts are underway to support CDC staff and adjacent institutions. Security protocols are being assessed and enhanced to prevent similar incidents in the future, and mental health resources are being provided for employees shaken by the violence.
The shooting marks a grave incident at a prominent public health institution, raising concerns about targeted violence amid ongoing public health debates and vaccine misinformation. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.