Shooting near CDC headquarters and Emory University campus leads to officer's demise, with the perpetrator subsequently identified
In a shocking turn of events, a shooting incident near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters and Emory University campus in Atlanta claimed the life of a police officer named David Rose. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, prompting a shelter-in-place order at Emory University campus and a lockdown at the CDC headquarters.
Officer David Rose, a dedicated servant of DeKalb County, was fatally shot after responding to the reported gunfire. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition but later pronounced dead. The shooting broke out at 4:50 p.m., causing widespread panic and concern.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia, fired more than 500 rounds, causing extensive damage with over 150 windows shattered across multiple CDC buildings. White died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Authorities found documents at White's home expressing his discontent with COVID-19 vaccinations, suggesting that the shooting was motivated by vaccine misinformation. This connection has prompted calls from the American Federation of Government Employees for the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to condemn vaccine misinformation to prevent future violence against public health officials.
CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez shared a statement on Friday night, expressing heartbreak over the incident at the Roybal Campus. She prioritizes the safety and well-being of everyone at CDC and is actively coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to investigate the shooter and the tragic crime.
The tragedy has deeply impacted CDC personnel, who have been coping with workforce challenges and misinformation-related stresses. The incident underscores the dangers public health officials face amid ongoing vaccine disinformation.
In response, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the CDC headquarters, met with the police department and the family of Officer Rose, and affirmed the commitment to staff safety and honoring the fallen officer. Enhanced security measures are being implemented as CDC employees mostly remain teleworking.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr expressed their condolences and gratitude towards the first responders who rushed towards the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives. The FBI Atlanta and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are investigating the incident.
Notably, there were 92 children at a day care center on the CDC campus at the time, who were unharmed. No civilians were shot in the incident, according to police. Monday has been declared a remote workday for all CDC employees, and the White House is monitoring the situation.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Officer David Rose during this difficult time. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by public servants in their line of duty.
- The topic of vaccine misinformation, which may have motivated the shooting at the CDC headquarters, has become a central focus in general news and crime-and-justice discussions.
- In the aftermath of the shooting incident, politics and the safety of public health officials have emerged as critical issues of concern, with calls for authorities to address vaccine misinformation to prevent further violence.
- Amid the ongoing investigation into the shooting, the weather forecast for Monday, when CDC employees are working remotely, has become an intermediate concern for many, as the White House continues to monitor the situation.
