Law enforcement authorities have identified the deceased police officer and apprehended the suspect following a shooting incident near the CDC headquarters and Emory University campus.
Tragedy Strikes CDC Campus: Officer David Rose Killed in Active Shooting Incident
In a shocking turn of events, a shooting incident occurred near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters and Emory University campus in Atlanta on Friday afternoon, August 8, 2025. The tragedy claimed the life of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, who was fatally shot while responding to the reported gunfire.
The gunman, identified as Patrick Joseph White, 30, from Kennesaw, Georgia, was found dead at the scene. The exact circumstances of his death are still unclear, with reports suggesting a self-inflicted gunshot wound or a gunshot wound inflicted by police.
The shooting took place just before 5 p.m., near the main entrance of the CDC campus. The incident caused damage to multiple windows across at least four CDC buildings and nearby areas. Fortunately, no other civilians were reportedly injured in the incident.
The scene remains under extensive investigation, with law enforcement collecting evidence and conducting numerous interviews to determine the motive for the shooting. The FBI Atlanta and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are leading the investigation.
In response to the incident, CDC Director Susan Monarez and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. visited the campus and met with law enforcement and Officer Rose’s family. Secretary Kennedy expressed condolences and affirmed ongoing support for the CDC community and the family of the fallen officer. CDC staff have largely remained on telework with increased security measures implemented as they prepare to return to campus.
Key points:
- Officer David Rose died in the line of duty; he leaves behind a pregnant wife and two children.
- Suspect Patrick Joseph White was found dead at the scene; motive unknown.
- Multiple CDC buildings were damaged by gunfire; no other injuries reported.
- Investigation ongoing by FBI Atlanta and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
- Federal and local leaders have shown support and are addressing security concerns post-incident.
During the shooting, the suspect fired multiple rounds at the CDC building, causing damage. CDC staff were encouraged to prioritize their well-being and seek support. The CDC remains on lockdown while authorities investigate the shooting.
A total of 92 children were at a day care center on the CDC campus at the time, but they were unharmed. Four individuals were transported to a hospital for stress and anxiety-related reasons.
The gunfire prompted a shelter-in-place order at Emory University and a lockdown at the CDC headquarters. However, the shelter-in-place order on the Emory University campus was later lifted. Monday, August 11, 2025, has been designated as a remote workday for all CDC employees.
In a statement, CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez expressed heartbreak over the attack. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr expressed horror over the news and prayers for the safety of the campus community. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp thanked first responders and asked for prayers for those affected. The White House is also monitoring the situation.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
The shooting coincided with a general news headline, as it involved the death of Officer David Rose, who was killed during an active shooting incident on the CDC campus. This event also intersected with crime-and-justice news, as the identity of the suspect, Patrick Joseph White, was released, and authorities are diligently working to determine his motive for the tragic event.
