Suspect in close-by CDC headquarters' shooting has been identified by authorities
In a shocking incident, a shooting at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and near Emory University in Atlanta has left one officer dead and several others injured. The suspected shooter has been identified as Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old man from Kennesaw.
According to reports from WANF via Gray Local Media, Inc., White opened fire on the CDC campus, firing multiple rounds at several CDC buildings. The shooting also prompted lockdowns at both the CDC and Emory University.
White was armed with a long gun, according to a law enforcement official. Authorities found three other firearms at the scene, and it is unclear whether White died from being shot by officers or by suicide. The Atlanta Police Chief, Darin Schierbaum, stated that the gunman was found on the second floor of the building and died at the scene.
Neighbors and sources close to White reported that he believed the COVID-19 vaccine had caused him severe health problems and accused the media and government of covering up these effects. He expressed conspiracy-minded views and was fixated on this grievance amidst struggles with mental health.
The motive behind White's attack is still under investigation, but it is believed that his grievance specifically ties to blaming the COVID-19 vaccine for personal health issues and depression. CDC leadership and worker unions have highlighted the risks of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and linked such misinformation to the attack's deadly consequences.
The incident occurred at the CVS at Emory Point, a mixed-use development near Emory's campus. At least four buildings at the CDC's headquarters were struck, and images shared by employees showed multiple agency buildings with bullet-pocked windows. Another official is investigating whether the CDC was the intended target.
A woman who lives near White's home described the situation as "unbelievable and unsettling." She stated that White was against vaccines, specifically the COVID-19 vaccine. The investigation into the incident is expected to take an extended period of time, with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation conducting numerous interviews and collecting extensive evidence due to the complex scene.
This connection between the COVID-19 vaccine and the shooter’s motive is based on preliminary investigation and statements by law enforcement and people acquainted with the suspect. However, the shooter's motive has not been commented on by officials.
Our hearts go out to the family of Officer David Rose, who was struck and killed in the shooting. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
- The attack at the CDC and near Emory University, which left one officer dead, might be linked to the shooter's beliefs that the COVID-19 vaccine caused him severe health problems and sparked conspiracy-minded views about the media and government covering up these effects.
- The motive behind the shooting at the CDC and near Emory University, with ties to blaming the COVID-19 vaccine for personal health issues and depression, is under investigation, and general-news outlets are urged to be cautious about reporting unconfirmed details to avoid contributing to politics of misinformation around vaccines.
