Officer Killed, Suspect Named in Atlanta CDC Shooting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Authorities identified 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia, as the gunman in Friday’s deadly shooting outside CDC headquarters in Atlanta. DeKalb County police officer David Rose, a former Marine, was killed during the attack, which damaged multiple CDC buildings. Investigators are still working to determine the shooter’s motive.
CDC Shooting Suspect Quick Looks
- Who: Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, Georgia.
- What: Opened fire outside the CDC, killing Officer David Rose.
- When: Friday, August 8, 2025.
- Where: CDC headquarters, Atlanta, Georgia.
- Victims: Officer Rose, 33, husband and father of three (one unborn).
- Damage: At least four CDC buildings struck by bullets.
- Weapons recovered: Long gun used in attack, three more firearms found.
- Motive: Unknown; investigation ongoing.
- Lead agency: Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
Officer Killed, Suspect Named in Atlanta CDC Shooting
Deep Look
ATLANTA — Georgia authorities have identified the suspect in Friday’s deadly shooting outside the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia. The attack claimed the life of Officer David Rose of the DeKalb County Police Department, a recently graduated officer and former U.S. Marine.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed White’s identity Saturday morning, noting that he died at the scene. Officer Rose, 33, was fatally wounded when the gunman opened fire from across the street, targeting the sprawling CDC campus. The incident triggered a massive law enforcement response to one of the nation’s most secure and high-profile public health institutions.
Shots Fired Across the CDC Campus
According to GBI, White fired into the CDC headquarters complex, striking windows on at least four separate buildings. CDC Director Susan Monarez shared on X that the extent of the damage highlighted the severity of the incident. Photos taken by staff showed multiple shattered and bullet-pocked windows across the facility, where thousands of scientists and employees work on critical disease research.
The shooting also left the sidewalk outside a nearby CVS pharmacy littered with shell casings. The store remained closed Saturday, its glass door showing a clear bullet hole. A single bouquet of flowers had been placed outside in tribute.
Weapons and Scene Details
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said White was armed with a long gun, and investigators later recovered three additional firearms from the scene. It remains unclear whether White died from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.
A law enforcement source, speaking anonymously, said authorities are still piecing together the sequence of events. “There is extensive evidence to collect due to the complex scene,” the GBI noted, warning that the investigation will take considerable time.
Remembering Officer David Rose
Officer Rose joined the DeKalb County Police Department in March after serving in Afghanistan as a U.S. Marine. His colleagues described him as a rising officer who quickly earned their respect.
“This evening, there is a wife without a husband. There are three children, one unborn, without a father,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson in a statement honoring Rose’s service and sacrifice.
Motive Still Unknown
Authorities have yet to establish a motive for the shooting. Mayor Andre Dickens described White on Friday night as a “known person” with certain interests but did not elaborate. Public records link White to a Kennesaw address, but calls to a listed number were not returned.
The GBI emphasized that multiple interviews are underway, with agents working to reconstruct what led to the gunfire at one of America’s most critical federal agencies.
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