Georgia Authorities Identify Suspected Shooter in Emory University and CDC Campus Incident
Atlanta officials have identified 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw as the suspected gunman involved in a shooting near the Emory University campus and the nearby U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters. The tragic event, which unfolded on Friday evening, resulted in two deaths, including that of a DeKalb County police officer.
The shooting occurred just before 5 p.m. on August 8, 2025, directly across the main entrance to the CDC campus, in a high-profile area located along Clifton Road, a busy artery serving both Emory University and the CDC. Authorities responded quickly to reports of an active shooter at Emory Point CVS on campus, prompting an extensive multi-agency law enforcement operation that shut down the surrounding area for hours.
Details of the Incident
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed on Saturday that Patrick Joseph White was the man found dead in a nearby building following the shootings. While it has not been officially confirmed whether White was the perpetrator or the victim of an officer-involved shooting, he has been identified as the suspected gunman. The investigation remains active and ongoing with law enforcement agencies collaborating to establish the motives and full circumstances.
A DeKalb County police officer, David Rose, was also killed during the incident. Authorities have reported no additional casualties despite multiple bullet impacts found on windows across the sprawling CDC campus.
During the shooting and subsequent lockdown, more than 90 children and several CDC employees sheltered in place on the campus. After several hours, authorities allowed families to reunite and employee evacuations to commence safely. The lockdown was lifted shortly after 6:30 p.m.
Community and Institutional Response
The shooting shocked the community around northeast Atlanta, an area known for its affluent, wooded neighborhoods enveloping both the CDC and Emory University campuses. The immediate response from Emory University included directions for people to “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT” and shelter in place to minimize risks. The CDC’s director, Susan Monarez, issued statements describing the event as an “attack on our Roybal Campus,” referring to their office complex.
Following the incident, the CDC announced that Monday would be a remote workday to allow for a thorough security assessment before employees return to their offices. Several CDC buildings sustained visible bullet damage, emphasizing the severity of the attack.
Witnesses from nearby businesses described hearing a rapid succession of gunshots sounding like fireworks, intensifying the distress of those present during the lockdown. The area, typically crowded and traffic-heavy, was notably quiet due to the emergency restrictions and law enforcement blockades.
Ongoing Investigation
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was notified by both the Emory University Police Department and the Atlanta Police Department to lead the inquiries. They are analyzing both the shooting incident and the subsequent officer-involved shooting reported on Clifton Road.
Authorities have yet to disclose a motive for the shooting, and the investigation is continuing with priority. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens acknowledged the uncertainty around the gunman’s motives and promised to keep the public informed as new information becomes available.
This incident highlights the challenges of securing prominent public institutions and the critical importance of prompt law enforcement coordination. The community and institutions remain on alert as safety assessments proceed in the coming days.