Authorities Identify Gunman in CDC Shooting That Killed DeKalb County Officer

ATLANTA, GEORGIA — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has identified the suspect in Friday’s deadly shooting outside the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw. The attack claimed the life of Officer David Rose, a DeKalb County police officer, and left one of the nation’s top public health facilities riddled with bullet holes.

Shooter Opened Fire Across from CDC Headquarters

Authorities say White opened fire from across the street, striking at least four CDC buildings and shattering windows across the sprawling campus where thousands of scientists work on critical disease research. The gunfire also littered the sidewalk outside a nearby CVS pharmacy with shell casings, prompting a massive law enforcement response.

CDC Director Susan Monarez confirmed the extent of the damage in a social media post, sharing images that showed bullet-pocked windows across multiple buildings.

Fallen Officer Remembered

Officer Rose, 33, joined the police department earlier this year after serving as a U.S. Marine in Afghanistan. DeKalb County officials described him as a dedicated officer who quickly earned the respect of his peers.

“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.

Suspect Killed at the Scene

White died during the incident, though it remains unclear whether his death was from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound, according to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum.

Investigators recovered a long gun and three additional firearms at the scene, a law enforcement source told reporters. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens described White as a “known person” but said the motive for the attack is still under investigation.

Investigation Ongoing

The GBI is leading the case, citing the complexity of the crime scene and the large amount of evidence to be processed. “There is extensive evidence to collect due to the complex scene,” the agency said in a statement, noting that the investigation will take time.

The Saluda Standard-Sentinel will continue following updates on this investigation. What questions do you have about safety around major federal facilities? Share your thoughts in the comments.