Gunfire incident near Emory University in Atlanta claims lives
In a shocking incident on August 8, 2025, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, became the target of a deadly shooting. The gunfire, which originated just outside the CDC headquarters, claimed the life of a DeKalb County Police officer, David Rose, and the gunman himself[1][5].
The shooter, identified as Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old man from Kennesaw, Georgia, fired nearly 500 rounds, causing damage to at least six CDC buildings[2][5]. The gunfire shattered more than 150 windows and even penetrated some blast-resistant glass[2][5]. Remarkably, no CDC staff or visitor was injured in the incident.
The motive behind the attack appears to be rooted in White's belief in COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. He believed the vaccine was responsible for his mental health problems, including depression and suicidal thoughts, and he alleged that the CDC had tried to cover up vaccine effects[2][3]. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of vaccine misinformation and disinformation.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stated that the gunman's motives are still unknown at this early stage in the investigation[1]. The CDC workers’ union and public health officials have called for condemnation of such misinformation to prevent future violence against public health workers[3].
The CDC campus is located near Emory University, and the shooting prompted a massive law enforcement response and a shelter-in-place order. The incident caused substantial disruption, with the CDC closing offices temporarily to conduct a security assessment[1][4]. Four people have been taken to the hospital due to anxiety and stress caused by the shooting[1].
A lockdown has been announced at Emory University, the CDC, and nearby facilities[1]. The FBI, Atlanta Police Department, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation are assisting in the investigation[1]. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum reported that it is unclear whether the gunman's death was caused by the police or was self-inflicted[1].
Tragically, the shooting has left a family mourning. David Rose, a father of two and a third baby on the way, was killed during the incident[4]. CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson from DeKalb County stated that there is a wife without a husband and three children without a father due to the shooting[4].
Georgia, known for its agricultural products, rich history, and natural beauty, has been shaken by this tragic event. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of accurate public health communication and safety.
[1] News Article 1 [2] News Article 2 [3] News Article 3 [4] News Article 4 [5] News Article 5
- The shooter, identified as Patrick Joseph White, who is a 30-year-old man from Kennesaw, Georgia, targeted the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, US, citing COVID-19 vaccine misinformation as his motive.
- Despite the general-news surrounding the shooter's belief in vaccine misinformation, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has stressed that the gunman's motives are still unknown at this early stage in the investigation.
- Following the incident, the CDC workers’ union and public health officials have urged for an end to the dissemination of such misinformation, fearing that it could potentially lead to more crime-and-justice incidents and violence against public health workers.
