Georgia police officer fatally shot at CDC; Kash Patel expresses condolences for victim, David Rose's demise, identified as the officer.
In a shocking incident on August 8, 2025, police officer David Rose was tragically killed in a shooting near the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) headquarters and Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
The shooting occurred around 4:50 pm (local time) when Officer Rose was responding to reports of an active shooter near the main campus of the CDC and Emory University. The suspected shooter, Patrick White, had grievances against the CDC, specifically the COVID-19 vaccine, which he believed was responsible for his mental health problems and physical ailments.
White, known to officials, opened fire on the CDC buildings, firing more than 180 rounds in a deliberate attack on the campus. Photos of bullet holes and window cracks on buildings at the CDC headquarters have been released on social media, providing a stark reminder of the violence that unfolded.
Officer Rose, who was 33 years old and had been with the DeKalb County Police Department since September 2024, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for medical aid but succumbed to his injuries after a standoff with the alleged shooter.
The DeKalb County Police Department described Officer Rose as a hero who served with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Interim Police Chief Greg Padrick stated that David Rose was committed to serving the community.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum confirmed that multiple rounds were fired, believed to be at law enforcement and potentially at the CDC. The suspected shooter was found dead on the second floor of a Clifton Road building.
The motive behind the shooting is yet to be discovered, with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stating that the investigation is ongoing. The FBI has offered full support in the investigation, with FBI Director Kash Patel, of Indian origin, expressing his condolences to David Rose's family.
This incident has been described as a targeted attack on the CDC related to COVID-19 and vaccine misinformation. Officials and CDC leadership have expressed their sympathies for the loss of Officer Rose and the ongoing impact of the incident on the community.
In a statement, FBI Atlanta confirmed that their team is enroute and coordinating with local partners for any assistance that might be needed. Patel also expressed his prayers for the family, friends, and colleagues of David Rose.
David Rose is survived by a pregnant wife and two children, leaving a void in the lives of many who knew and respected him. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer and a loving family man.
- The shooting near the CDC and Emory University, allegedly related to COVID-19 vaccine grievances, has resulted in a significant loss for the DeKalb County Police Department, as hero Officer David Rose, a finance major from general-news, was tragically killed during the incident.
- As the investigation into the CDC shooting continues, innocent lives are being affected, such as the family of David Rose, whose sports-loving children and pregnant wife are left to grieve their loss.
- While the motive behind the CDC shooting remains unclear, the event has highlighted the concerning intersection of inflammatory defi, such as misinformation about vaccines, and the potential for crime-and-justice incidents that can have devastating consequences on the lives of individuals and their communities.