Law enforcement official dies, assailant identified in gunfire incident close to CDC headquarters and Emory University campus
In a shocking incident that unfolded on Friday afternoon in Atlanta, a police officer was fatally shot near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters and Emory University campus. The suspect, identified as Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, Georgia, was found dead from a gunshot wound, which may have been self-inflicted.
The officer who lost his life was DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose. He was responding to the reported gunfire when he was tragically killed. The Atlanta Police Department praised Officer Rose, stating that he served with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication.
The motive behind the shooting appears to be linked to COVID-19 vaccine disinformation. White reportedly believed that the vaccine caused him serious health and mental health problems, leading to his anger and the subsequent attack.
Authorities, including the FBI Atlanta and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), are investigating the incident. The GBI is leading the inquiry, and while preliminary findings suggest a link to vaccine misinformation, detailed findings about the motive have not been fully disclosed. No other injuries aside from the officer’s death and stress-related hospital transports have been reported.
The shooting incident prompted a shelter-in-place order at Emory University and a lockdown at the CDC headquarters. The university advised people to "RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. Avoid the area" during the incident. Thankfully, 92 children at a day care center on the CDC campus were unharmed.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr expressed horror at the news and prayed for the safety of the entire campus community. The White House is also monitoring the situation.
Officer David Rose leaves behind a wife who is pregnant and two children. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition where he was later pronounced dead. The community is mourning his loss and expressing gratitude for his service.
Local officials and CDC employees have expressed concern over ongoing vaccine misinformation, which may have incited the violence. CDC and health officials continue to support those affected and condemn misinformation contributing to threats against public health workers.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further suspects or new facts have been publicly disclosed yet. Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of Officer David Rose, and we stand with the Atlanta community during this difficult time.
[1] Atlanta Police Department statement on the shooting incident [2] Georgia Bureau of Investigation statement on the ongoing investigation [3] CDC statement on the incident and its impact on the campus community [4] Local news coverage of the incident and its aftermath [5] Federal Bureau of Investigation statement on their involvement in the investigation
- The local news is reporting that the Atlanta Police Department will release a video of Officer David Rose's funeral as a tribute to his service and sacrifice, adding it to the general-news section.
- As the investigation continues, experts in the field of health are raising concerns about the potential impact of vaccine misinformation on public health, linking it to the shooting incident and featuring it in the crime-and-justice and health sections.
- Amid the tragic shooting incident, the sports world has paused to honor Officer David Rose with a moment of silence during all games this weekend, showcasing their support and unity in the sports section.
