Atlanta, GA — Patrick Joseph White, the 30-year-old suspect in the shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters on Friday, reportedly blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for causing his illness, depression, and suicidal thoughts, according to law enforcement sources and people familiar with the case.
The shooting unfolded late Friday afternoon when White fired multiple rounds from a CVS pharmacy located across the street from the sprawling CDC campus in Atlanta, Georgia. His attack struck several CDC buildings, shattering windows and causing distress among employees. The suspect was armed with five firearms, including at least one long gun, officials revealed.
DeKalb County police officer David Rose, a former Marine aged 33, was fatally shot while responding to the incident. Rose had joined the force in March and was remembered by colleagues and leaders for his courage and professionalism. Four other individuals suffered stress and anxiety-related symptoms and were transported to local hospitals for care.
Investigators discovered White’s body on the second floor inside the CVS pharmacy, but it remains unclear whether he died from a self-inflicted gunshot or was killed by officers. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the ongoing investigation into the shooting and potential motives.
Information gathered by law enforcement indicates White had been struggling with mental health issues prior to the attack. Neighbors and acquaintances described him as increasingly fixated on the COVID-19 vaccine, which he believed was responsible for his deteriorating health. One neighbor said White claimed that after receiving the vaccine, he experienced significant weight loss, swallowing difficulties, and gastrointestinal symptoms. He additionally expressed the belief that the media and government were concealing these effects from the public.
“He thought the vaccines were killing him and that people needed to know the truth,” the neighbor said, while noting she disagreed with his views but would listen.
White’s fixation on vaccine-related grievances reportedly intensified after personal difficulties, including the death of his dog, contributed to his emotional decline.
The shooting drew immediate reactions from various officials and organizations. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 2883, representing CDC workers, condemned the vaccine misinformation climate, calling on federal leaders to clearly denounce disinformation that endangers scientists and public health professionals.
“Their leadership is critical in reinforcing public trust and ensuring that accurate, science-based information prevails,” the union stated, demanding a strong public statement to prevent future violence against CDC employees.
Meanwhile, a group of recently laid-off CDC workers called “Fired But Fighting” criticized HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for contributing to hostility through persistent misinformation about vaccines and science, which they argue fostered an environment of distrust that led to the attack.
Senator Raphael Warnock, Representative Mike Collins, and FBI Director Kash Patel publicly offered prayers and support for the fallen officer, victims, and CDC staff. Director Patel emphasized the FBI’s commitment to supporting all affected by the tragedy.
This incident starkly illustrates the volatile landscape shaped by pandemic-era misinformation and societal mistrust in public health institutions. Experts note this attack on the CDC—the nation’s leading public health agency—reflects deeper fractures in American discourse surrounding vaccines and science.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities caution that understanding White’s full motives requires further evidence. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has not yet confirmed the motive officially but continues to consider the COVID-19 vaccine grievance as a significant factor.
No other civilians were reportedly harmed during the shooting, and CDC staff were advised to work remotely following a lockdown of the campus.