An active shooter incident near the CDC Atlanta campus and Emory University led to the tragic deaths of Officer David Rose and the suspect, Patrick White. The confrontation occurred on August 8, when law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire around 4:50 p.m. Officer Rose was the first to arrive on the scene and was met with immediate gunfire from White, who was reported to have fired shots toward several buildings before entering a CVS store located in the Emory Point shopping area. During the exchange of gunfire inside the store, White was ultimately killed, although authorities have yet to clarify whether his death was due to police fire or a self-inflicted wound.
Officer David Rose, aged 33, had recently joined the DeKalb County Police Department after graduating from the police academy. He is survived by his wife and two children, with a third on the way. Interim Police Chief Greg Padrick expressed admiration for Rose’s commitment to serve, stating he responded to the situation as trained, showcasing the bravery of first responders.
The shooter has been identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia. Sources revealed that White’s family suspected he targeted the CDC due to an illness he attributed to the COVID-19 vaccine, though law enforcement has yet to confirm a motive. After being denied entry into the CDC, he proceeded to the CVS, where the deadly confrontation occurred.
Law enforcement’s response involved multiple agencies and resulted in the lockdown of nearby buildings, including the CDC and Emory University Hospital. Fortunately, no civilians were harmed, although several windows at the CDC were damaged by gunfire. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a heavy police presence and hearing rapid gunfire during the incident.
In light of this tragedy, Governor Brian Kemp and other officials offered their condolences, with significant emphasis on the bravery of first responders. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is spearheading the ongoing investigation, which is expected to take time due to the complex nature of the scene.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the impact of violence in communities, echoing sentiments of grief and resilience among the responders and those affected.