A tragic incident unfolded on Friday afternoon near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and the suspected gunman. The events began around 4:50 p.m. when reports of an active shooter emerged near the CDC campus and Emory University.
DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, a Marine Corps veteran and recent graduate of the DeKalb Police Academy, responded to the scene. During the confrontation, Officer Rose was fatally shot. He is survived by his wife, who is pregnant, and two children. His death has deeply affected the community, with DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson expressing profound sorrow over the loss.
The suspected gunman, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia, was found deceased on the second floor of a CVS Pharmacy located across from the CDC campus. Authorities recovered multiple firearms at the scene, including a long gun and three additional firearms. The exact cause of his death remains under investigation, with officials uncertain whether it was self-inflicted or the result of police gunfire.
The shooting caused significant damage to several CDC buildings, with bullet holes visible on windows. Despite the extensive damage, no CDC employees or visitors were injured. At the time of the incident, 92 children were present in a daycare center on the CDC campus; fortunately, they were unharmed.
In response to the shooting, the CDC implemented a lockdown on its campus, and Emory University issued a shelter-in-place order. Both institutions are conducting thorough security reviews to ensure the safety of their communities. CDC Director Susan Monarez expressed deep concern over the attack, emphasizing the agency‘s commitment to the well-being of its staff and the public.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp praised the swift response of law enforcement and first responders, highlighting their dedication to protecting the community. He also acknowledged the broader issue of gun violence, noting that this incident was the second targeting Georgians within the week, following a shooting at Fort Stewart.
The FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are collaborating to determine the motive behind the shooting. Preliminary reports suggest that White may have been upset over personal issues and believed that the COVID-19 vaccine had contributed to his depression and suicidal thoughts. His father had reportedly informed authorities of his suicidal tendencies earlier in the day. However, the investigation is ongoing, and officials have not confirmed these details.
This tragic event has raised concerns about safety in public institutions and the prevalence of gun violence in the United States. Community leaders and officials are calling for increased vigilance and comprehensive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. The community is also encouraged to support the families affected by this tragedy and to participate in discussions aimed at enhancing public safety.
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