CDC Shooting Suspect Identified – NPR
CDC Shooting: Gunman Identified,Officer Killed in Atlanta Attack
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ATLANTA – A shooting at the U.S.Centers for Disease Control adn Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta on Friday left one DeKalb County police officer dead and the gunman deceased, authorities have confirmed. The shooter has been identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw,Georgia.
Details of the Incident
The Georgia Bureau of Inquiry (GBI) reported that Officer David Rose, 33, was fatally shot during the incident. White opened fire outside the CDC headquarters, damaging multiple buildings with gunfire before being found dead in a building near the campus.
At least four CDC buildings sustained damage, with windows shattered across the sprawling complex. Images shared by CDC employees revealed the extent of the damage, highlighting the vulnerability of a facility where thousands of scientists and staff conduct vital disease research.
“We do not know at this time whether [white’s death] was from officers or if it was self-inflicted,” Atlanta Police chief Darin Schierbaum stated friday.Authorities recovered a long gun used in the attack, along with three additional firearms at the scene.
The Fallen Officer: David Rose
Officer Rose, a former Marine who served in Afghanistan, was a recent graduate of the police academy, completing his training in March. DeKalb County officials praised his dedication, courage, and professionalism, noting he quickly earned the respect of his colleagues.
“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,underscoring the devastating personal impact of the tragedy.
Investigation and Motive
The motive behind the shooting remains unknown as the investigation continues. atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens emphasized the ongoing nature of the inquiry during a press conference Friday. Attempts to reach White via a publicly listed phone number have been unsuccessful.
CDC Response and Impact
CDC Director Susan Monarez reported the damage to at least four buildings in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Despite the disruption,authorities confirmed no other injuries were reported. The CDC has not yet released details regarding operational adjustments following the incident, but the attack raises serious security concerns for the nation’s leading public health agency.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more facts becomes available.