Patrick Joseph White has been identified as the suspect in the shooting near a CDC building and the Emory University campus in Georgia.
After gunfire broke out on Friday night, officials confirmed that White, 30, of Kennesaw, Georgia, died with hero police officer David Rose, 33.
Around 4:50 p.m., White opened fire outside the headquarters of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, scattering bullets throughout the campus, according to authorities.
White was later discovered dead, and DeKalb County Police Department Officer Rose was hit and died on the spot.
According to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, White was on the second floor of a structure across the street from the CDC campus that houses a CVS.
He stated on Friday that “we do not know at this time whether that was from officers or if it was self-inflicted.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in an update on Saturday that its agents are looking into both an officer-involved shooting and a prior shooting incident.
According to a law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity, White was carrying a long gun, and three additional firearms were found at the scene.
Students on the university campus were told to flee and hide after at least four CDC buildings were struck.
A second law enforcement officer was hurt in the shooting, but no employees or bystanders were hurt, according to CDC Director Susan Monarez.
She posted on X on Saturday, saying, “We at @CDCgov are heartbroken by today’s attack on our Roybal Campus, which remains on lock down as authorities investigate the shooting.”
She said “another was injured, after a gunman opened fire on at least four CDC buildings” and hailed Rose as a “courageous officer who gave his life.”
“Our staff and community were spared additional harm thanks to the prompt and decisive response of DeKalb County police, CDC security, and Emory University.”
According to authorities, Officer Rose had been rushing toward the active shooter scene when he was killed. He had been a member of the DeKalb County Police Department since September 2024.
Before he was killed in the senseless attack, they disclosed that the 33-year-old was expecting his third child.
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, the CEO of DeKalb County, stated, “There is a wife without a husband this evening, three children, one unborn, and no father.”
“This traumatic loss also affects siblings, as well as the mother and father.”
The police department said in a statement posted online late Friday night that Officer Rose served DeKalb County with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication.
“He was diligent in his duty to protect our community, even in the face of danger.”
As they search the “complex crime scene” for evidence and attempt to determine a motive, officials have stated that the investigation is still in its early phases.
Chief Schierbaum, however, stated on Friday that the shooter “fired at law enforcement and possibly the CDC.”
Police described White as “a person known to have interest in some certain things” prior to naming him.
The CDC headquarters is home to thousands of employees, and because of its notoriety, news of gunshots quickly led to a significant police response.
Ninety-two children were at a day care center on the CDC campus when the attack occurred, and none of them were hurt.
When more information becomes available, the GBI is anticipated to provide more updates.
“Everyone’s safety and wellbeing at CDC is our first priority,” Monarez stated.
“In order to thoroughly investigate the shooter and this tragic crime, we are actively coordinating with federal, state, and local partners.”
