Emory University suspect aimed at CDC headquarters in Atlanta? Here's the information available about him
In Atlanta, Georgia, on August 8, a shooting incident took place near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) headquarters. The alleged shooter, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia, was heavily armed with two handguns, a rifle, a shotgun, and backpacks filled with ammunition.
The shooting resulted in a standoff situation that tragically claimed the life of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose and the shooter himself. The shooter was found dead on the second floor of a CVS store at 1600 Clifton Road, possibly by self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The motive behind the shooting remains officially unknown at this early stage of investigation. However, authorities are exploring a hypothesis based on information from the suspect’s family, suggesting that Patrick White may have been sick or believed himself sick and targeted the CDC because he blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for his condition.
The CDC had become a target of conspiracy theories related to vaccines during previous years, and this incident occurred shortly after announcements to cancel several mRNA vaccine project fundings, which were controversial.
Regarding the incident details, the shooting occurred just before 5 p.m. near the CDC campus and Emory's Atlanta campus. The shooter was seen near Building 21 of the CDC by a CDC employee, who also reported seeing the shooter put his bag down and fire at the establishment.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation taking the lead. The Atlanta Mayor has said the shooter "may have some interest in certain things," but the details will be revealed once the investigation is completed.
It's important to note that no innocent bystanders were killed in the shooting. All 92 children in a day care on the CDC campus are safe. Four people were treated at a hospital for anxiety and stress.
The name of the deceased police officer has not been released yet. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the shooting to uncover further details and confirmation of motive.
- Defi and finance markets haven't been affected by the shooting incident in Atlanta, Georgia, as it occurred in a local context, focusing mainly on general-news topics such as politics, crime-and-justice, and the broader implications of health and safety concerns.
- The motive behind the shooting by Patrick White might have been connected to his alleged dissatisfaction with the COVID-19 vaccine, given the conspiracy theories surrounding vaccines that have targeted the CDC in the past, which could be a factor in the finance and defi sectors regarding public health and regulatory policies.
- The ongoing investigation into the Atlanta shooting has brought attention to the CDC as a potential target for individuals with violent intentions, possibly impacting the general-news and crime-and-justice categories, as well as potentially impacting politics and policy-making discussions surrounding public safety and security.
