News Summary
A shooting incident near the Emory University campus and CDC headquarters in Atlanta resulted in the death of a police officer and the suspected shooter. Officer David Rose, responding to the crisis, was shot and later died from his injuries. The shooter, identified as Patrick White, was found dead at the scene. Fortunately, no CDC employees were harmed. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the shooting, which has raised safety concerns within the community and prompted heightened protocols at the CDC.
Atlanta witnessed a tragic shooting incident near the Emory University campus and the headquarters of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on August 8, 2025. The violent outbreak resulted in the death of one police officer and the suspected shooter.
During the shooting, Officer David Rose, a 33-year-old DeKalb County Police officer and former Marine, was fatally wounded while responding to the unfolding crisis and later succumbed to his injuries at Emory University Hospital. The shooter, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia, was later found dead on the second floor of a nearby building. The cause of White’s death remains unclear, as it could have been a result of police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.
The shooting began just before 5 p.m. at the main entrance of the CDC campus and resulted in damage to at least four buildings. Authorities recovered a long gun and three additional firearms at the crime scene. Fortunately, no employees or visitors at the CDC were injured during the incident.
In response to the active situation, an “active shooter” alert was issued by Emory University, advising individuals to “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT” and to avoid the area. A shelter-in-place order was enforced and later lifted around 6:30 p.m. Emergency services, including multiple law enforcement agencies comprising the Atlanta Police, DeKalb County Police, Emory Police, and the FBI, promptly responded to the scene.
Officer Rose, who had only graduated from the police academy in March 2025, leaves behind a wife and two children, with another on the way. His dedication and service were recognized by state leaders, including Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who praised the bravery of first responders during the crisis.
Investigations are currently ongoing as authorities work to determine the motive behind White’s actions. Reports suggest that White may have expressed anti-vaccine sentiments to neighbors prior to the incident, raising questions regarding his mental state. It has been noted that he had mentioned feeling ill after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading this investigation, which is expected to take considerable time.
As a precautionary measure following the shooting, CDC staff members have been instructed to work from home until further safety assessments can be conducted. This incident has prompted heightened concern for safety protocols at the CDC and surrounding areas, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event.
Witnesses reported that the sounds of gunfire echoed in the area, likening it to “fireworks going off,” indicating the chaotic atmosphere during the troubling moments of the incident. The swift response from law enforcement and the broader community reflects the commitment to public safety in Atlanta.
As more details emerge regarding this tragic event, the focus remains on supporting those affected, honoring Officer David Rose’s memory, and investigating the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- 11Alive
- Wikipedia: Active shooter incident
- CNN
- Google Search: Emory University shooting
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta shooting
- USA Today
- Google News: Emory University shooting
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
