Police have identified the suspected gunman who killed a police officer in a shooting near the Emory University campus in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday.
The suspected gunman, who struck four Centers for Disease Control and Prevention buildings near Emory, has been identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia. He opened fire from a CVS across the street from the CDC campus, police said.
The gunman was found dead in the CVS, but officials don’t know “whether that was from officers or if it was self-inflicted,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said Friday.
DeKalb County Police Department also confirmed officer David Rose was fatally shot in the line of duty. He was a 33-year-old father of two children, with a third on the way.
“Officer Rose served DeKalb County with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication,” the DeKalb County police said in a tribute.
Police are reportedly working on the theory that the CDC was the shooter’s target, who “blamed his illness on the Covid-19 vaccine,” a law enforcement official told CNN. The gunman’s identity has not yet been released.
No one inside the CDC building was harmed and no civilians were killed in the shooting, officials confirmed.
Key Points
- Gunman identified as Patrick Joseph White
- Recap: What we know so far
- Suspected shooter is dead, police confirm
- Police officer who died was David Rose, married father of two with another child on the way
- Gunman struck CDC campus building
Everything we know about the suspected gunman
16:29
,
Katie Hawkinson
Georgia police have identified the gunman who opened fire near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention campus and Emory University on Friday, killing a police officer and striking the health agency’s buildings in a rapid volley of fire.
The suspected gunman, who is now dead, has been identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation revealed Saturday. A DeKalb County police officer was killed in the shooting.
Police say the gunman also fired several rounds at the CDC buildings from a CVS across the street. Several windows in the CDC building were shown with bullet holes in the aftermath.
No civilians were hurt, officials confirmed.
Here’s what we know about the suspected gunman and how Friday’s shooting unfolded:
Watch: Students hear gunfire near Emory University
16:10
,
Katie Hawkinson
In pictures: Police investigate shooting scene
15:37
,
Katie Hawkinson
Where is the suspected shooter from?
15:16
,
Katie Hawkinson
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says Patrick Joseph White, 30, is from Kennesaw, Georgia.
The town is about 30 miles away from the CDC campus where Friday’s shooting unfolded.
How did the Emory University shooting unfold?
15:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
A gunman, who reportedly believed he was sick from the COVID-19 vaccine, is dead after opening fire at Emory University, near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters, on Friday.
Here’s how the incident unfolded:
Gunman identified as Patrick Joseph White
14:52
,
Katie Hawkinson
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has identified the gunman as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia.
White died during the incident. DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was also killed.
Gunman struck CDC campus buildings
14:28
,
Katie Hawkinson
Police say a gunman opened fire in a CVS across the street from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention campus in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday afternoon.
The gunman fired several shots at the agency’s buildings, breaking windows. DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was killed in the shooting.
Officials have declined to comment on the gunman’s motive. However, the gunman may have targeted the CDC because he believed he was sick from the COVID-19 vaccine, a law enforcement official told CNN.
ICYMI: Gunman opened fire outside CDC HQ
14:00
,
AP
A man opened fire outside the headquarters of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta on Friday, leaving bullet marks in windows across the sprawling campus and killing a police officer before he was found dead in a nearby building, authorities said.
The attack, which unfolded near neighboring Emory University, prompted a massive law enforcement response to one of the nation's most prominent public health institutions, but no one else was reported to be injured.
At least four CDC buildings were hit, Director Susan Monarez said in a post on X. Images shared by employees showed multiple agency buildings with bullet-pocked windows, underscoring the breadth of the damage to a site where thousands of scientists and staff work on critical disease research.
The gunman was found on the second floor of a building across the street from the CDC campus and died at the scene, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said.
He added that "we do not know at this time whether that was from officers or if it was self-inflicted."
Fallen DeKalb County Police officer named as David Rose
13:00
,
Rhian Lubin
DeKalb County Police said the fallen officer who was killed in Friday’s shooting was David Rose, a married father of two with a third on the way.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Officer David Rose who was tragically killed in the line of duty,” DeKalb County PD said in a post on social media.
“Officer Rose served DeKalb County with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Even in the face of danger was he diligent in his duty to protect our community.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Rose’s family, friends, fellow DeKalb County officers, and law enforcement community during this most difficult time.”
Parents frantic with worry about their kids in nearby preschool
12:00
,
Rhian Lubin, AP
When Anurag Mehta and his wife heard about the shooting, they tried to get to their 3-year-old son in a preschool near the CDC, but they were unable to approach.
“I was thinking that when I left for work this morning, was that the last time I saw my son?” said Mehta, who later learned his son was safe.
There were 92 children at a daycare nearby when the shooting took place. All of them were unharmed and officials were working to reunite them with their families Friday evening.
FBI Director Kash Patel: 'Hero officer made the ultimate sacrifice'
11:00
,
Rhian Lubin
Pray for the family, friends, and colleagues of this hero who acted quickly to defend others and made the ultimate sacrifice. The FBI will offer them our full support. https://t.co/Dq26aI0ZCi
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) August 9, 2025
Tribute to fallen cop: 'This evening there are three children, one unborn, without a father'
10:00
,
Rhian Lubin
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has made a heartbreaking tribute to the fallen police officer who was killed while responding to Friday’s shooting.
“This evening, there is a wife without a husband,” Cochran-Johnson said.
“There are three children, one unborn, without a father. There is a mother and a father, as well as siblings who also share in this traumatic loss.”
The officer was later named as David Rose, pictured below, a married father of two, with a third child on the way.
Officials won't be drawn on motive this early on in the investigation
09:00
,
Rhian Lubin
The gunman's motive is still unknown this early in the investigation, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said.
Law enforcement sources told CNN that police are reportedly working on the theory that the CDC was the suspect’s target, who “blamed his illness on the Covid-19 vaccine.”
Pictured: Heavy police presence on the scene after shooting
08:00
,
Rhian Lubin
Watch: Students hear active shooter near Emory University
07:00
,
Rhian Lubin
Recap: What we know so far
06:00
,
Rhian Lubin
- The first 911 calls of an active shooter came in at around 4:50 p.m. Friday.
- A man opened fire outside the headquarters of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is near the campus of Emory University.
- The university went on lockdown and urged students to shelter in place.
- The gunman was found dead on the second floor of a building across the street from the CDC campus and died at the scene, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said.
- A police officer with DeKalb County PD, David Rose, died after responding to the active shooting incident, officials confirmed.
- No civilians were killed in the shooting.
- The gunman's motive is still unknown this early in the investigation, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said, though unconfirmed reports said a line of inquiry was whether he was targeting the CDC because he “blamed his illness on the Covid-19 vaccine,” CNN reported.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp pays tribute to fallen officer
05:05
,
Rhian Lubin
The entire Kemp family is also mourning today’s tragic loss of Officer David Rose. His service and memory will not be forgotten by a grateful state, and his loved ones and fellow @DeKalbCountyPD officers will remain in our hearts and prayers as they grieve his passing and this… https://t.co/jMmDQjxMXl
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) August 9, 2025
Breaking: Fallen DeKalb County Police officer named as David Rose
04:16
,
Rhian Lubin
DeKalb County Police said the fallen officer who was killed in Friday’s shooting was David Rose, a married father of two with a third on the way.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Officer David Rose who was tragically killed in the line of duty,” DeKalb County PD said in a post on social media.
“Officer Rose served DeKalb County with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Even in the face of danger was he diligent in his duty to protect our community.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Rose’s family, friends, fellow DeKalb County officers, and law enforcement community during this most difficult time.”
Emory police chief: 'We're still working to verify the facts'
04:07
,
Rhian Lubin
Emory Police Department has issued a new statement this evening, saying it is still working to establish the facts in today’s shooting.
Burt Buchtinec, chief of the Emory PD, said:
Multiple law enforcement agencies and the Emory Police Department are still working to verify facts related to today’s active shooter incident at Emory Point, an apartment and retail complex adjacent to our Atlanta campus. While police have secured the area and are investigating, it remains an active crime scene.
We ask that everyone please continue to avoid the area until an “all clear” notification has been issued by Emory University.
Emory is grateful to the many officers and law enforcement agencies who quickly responded to this incident. Once facts have been established, Emory will share additional communications that provide more information.
Parents frantic with worry about their kids in nearby preschool
03:40
,
Rhian Lubin, AP
When Anurag Mehta and his wife heard about the shooting, they tried to get to their 3-year-old son in a preschool near the CDC, but they were unable to approach.
“I was thinking that when I left for work this morning, was that the last time I saw my son?” said Mehta, who later learned his son was safe.
There were 92 children at a daycare nearby when the shooting took place. All of them were unharmed and officials were working to reunite them with their families Friday evening.
FBI Director Kash Patel: 'Hero officer made the ultimate sacrifice'
03:20
,
Rhian Lubin
FBI Director Kash Patel has paid tribute to the fallen DeKalb County police officer who died while responding to the shooting.
Pray for the family, friends, and colleagues of this hero who acted quickly to defend others and made the ultimate sacrifice. The FBI will offer them our full support. https://t.co/Dq26aI0ZCi
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) August 9, 2025
Watch: Police announce the death of DeKalb officer killed in shooting
03:00
,
Rhian Lubin
Recap: Suspect in Emory University shooting dead after opening fire at CDC building, killing one police officer
02:45
,
Rhian Lubin
A shooter, who reportedly believed he was sick from the COVID-19 vaccine, and a police officer are dead after opening fire at Emory University, near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters.
Chaos unfolded on an Atlanta street corner Friday afternoon when gunfire rang out at a CVS on the university’s campus. The lone shooter fired multiple rounds through the windows of the CDC building across the street.
Mayor Andre Dickens said at a Friday night press conference there were 92 children in a daycare on the CDC campus, and they are safe.
Dickens told the parents of those daycare children, “We will be making sure that you get reunited with them as soon as possible.“
“I know your heart is just really, really aching, but the good news is none of them have been injured, and we will get you connected to those, to your loved ones really soon,” he added.
Rachel Dobkin has the full story.
CDC director: 'We are heartbroken by today's attack on our campus'
02:30
,
Rhian Lubin
Susan Monarez, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has issued a statement in the last few minutes about today’s shooting.
We at @CDCgov are heartbroken by today’s attack on our Roybal Campus, which remains on lockdown as authorities investigate the shooting. A courageous local law enforcement officer gave their life, and another was injured, after a gunman opened fire on at least four CDC buildings.…
— CDC Director Susan Monarez (@CDCMonarez) August 9, 2025
Mom: 'We should be able to take our kids to daycare without worry of gunfire'
02:15
,
Rhian Lubin
A mother whose child was at the CDC daycare center near to where Friday’s shooting took place said she is “angry” that her one-year-old has had to experience today’s events.
“I'm also a bit angry that at a year and a half he would have to experience something like this,” she told CBS. “We should be able to take our kids to daycare...without the worry of gunfire.”
"I'm also a bit angry that at a year and a half he would have to experience something like this... We should be able to take our kids to daycare," said the mother of a child in the CDC campus daycare.
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 9, 2025
Her wife was on her way to pick him up when she heard gunshots and the… pic.twitter.com/KOGRBQfgpm
Tribute to fallen cop: 'This evening there are three children, one unborn, without a father'
01:58
,
Rhian Lubin
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has made a heartbreaking tribute to the fallen police officer who was killed while responding to Friday’s shooting.
“This evening, there is a wife without a husband,” Cochran-Johnson said.
“There are three children, one unborn, without a father. There is a mother and a father, as well as siblings who also share in this traumatic loss.”
Police will not be naming the officer at the moment.
Police confirm that an officer wounded in the shooting has now died
01:42
,
Phil Thomas
Police have confirmed that an officer who was critically injured during the shooting has now died.
The DeKalb County police officer was responding to the shooting when he was shot and wounded. He was taken to the hospital but died of his injuries.
He was a father of two and his wife is pregnant with their third.
Police have said they will not be naming the fallen officer at the moment.
Gunman's father called police before shooting: report
01:28
,
Phil Thomas
The father of the suspect in the Emory University shooting phoned police before the attack to say he feared his son was suicidal, according to CNN, which said it had spoken to the father.
The network said it was not immediately clear how long before the shooting the call was made.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
You can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
Witness describes seeing the gunman open fire
01:13
,
Phil Thomas
A witness – who works for the CDC – told CNN that he saw the gunman walk up to the CVS before raising his rifle and starting to fire. “It was certainly targeted at the CDC.”
He said he rang 911, spoke to the operator for three minutes and was told there were additional reports coming in to the emergency line about the incident. “The shooting went on for several minutes after that.”
The man said he usually picked up his kids from daycare but that his wife had happened to pick them up earlier, about 10 minutes before the incident. However, he said he had friends whose children remained in the daycare during the shooting incident.
The witness said he didn’t know why the gunman was shooting at the CDC building from across the road and not from closer. “I really don’t know why he didn’t walk across the street [towards the CDC building], maybe just luck.”
92 children in nearby daycare are safe and waiting to be reunited with parents
01:03
,
Rhian Lubin
There are 92 children in a nearby daycare waiting to be reunited with their parents, officials said at this evening’s press conference.
The daycare is attached to the CDC and officials confirmed the children are safe.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens reassured worried parents.
“To those parents of those 92 children that are at the CDC, I'm a parent as well. I know your uncertainty and your fear, your concern has been high,” Dickens said.
“We wanted to come give you this message that all the children are safe and that we will be making sure that you get reunited with them as soon as possible.
“I know your heart is just really, really aching, but the good news is none of them have been injured, and we will get you connected to those, to your loved ones really soon.”
DeKalb County officer critically injured in shooting
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:59
,
Rhian Lubin
A DeKalb County Officer was shot and is critically injured, officials said.
He was responding to the active shooter scene, officials confirmed.
Four individuals at CDC campus taken to hospital for stress and anxiety symptoms
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:56
,
Rhian Lubin
Atlanta police chief Darin Schierbaum said there were no injuries at the CDC building where the suspect fired multiple rounds.
Schierbaum said that four individuals were taken to the hospital for stress and anxiety symptoms.
Atlanta Mayor: Suspect 'may have interest in certain things'
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:52
,
Rhian Lubin
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the suspect was a white male “who may have interest in certain things” as he was quizzed on a possible motive.
“I think that in a short order, you'll know more about this individual and about some assumptions of his motive, but I can't say right now,” Dickens said.
Atlanta police chief: CDC building received multiple rounds through windows
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:49
,
Rhian Lubin
Atlanta police chief Darin Schierbaum said the CDC received “multiple rounds through their windows” after the suspect opened fire.
Officers could hear gunfire within the CVS pharmacy.
They found the shooter on the second floor of the building that houses the CVS. He died at the scene.
“He had been struck by gunfire, it was not clear if police or self-inflicted,” Schierbaum said.
Atlanta Mayor confirms no civilians killed in the shooting
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:43
,
Rhian Lubin
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has confirmed that no civilians were killed in this afternoon’s shooting.
He said authorities are working to reunite families, as 92 children remain inside a day care on campus near the scene of the shooting.
Report: Police working on theory that suspect targeted CDC over 'Covid-19 vaccine illness'
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:38
,
Rhian Lubin
Police are reportedly working on the theory that the CDC was the suspect’s target, who “blamed his illness on the Covid-19 vaccine,” a law enforcement official told CNN.
The network also reported that the officer who responded to the active shooter incident has died, but the Atlanta Police Department has not confirmed the report.
Officials told hold a press conference in the next 10-15 minutes
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:27
,
Rhian Lubin
Officials are due to hold a press conference in the next 10-15 minutes to provide more details about what unfolded this afternoon on the Emory University campus and the CDC campus.
We’ll bring you more details from the news conference as they come in.
CVS says no one hurt inside the store
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:15
,
Rhian Lubin
The Emory Point CVS has confirmed that no one was hurt inside the store after the shooting that took place nearby.
“We’re cooperating with the Atlanta Police Department as it investigates a shooting near our Emory Point store. All colleagues, customers and patients are safe,” the pharmacy said in a statement. “The store is currently closed and will reopen when the scene is cleared.”
Pictures show large police presence near Emory University
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:10
,
Rhian Lubin
No ongoing threat, police say in an update
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:00
,
Rhian Lubin
UPDATE https://t.co/1fMSB6K6gR pic.twitter.com/tBN7lJpqtl
— Atlanta Police Department (@Atlanta_Police) August 8, 2025
NEW: Shooter is dead, police confirm
Friday 8 August 2025 23:52
,
Rhian Lubin
The suspected shooter on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, is dead and one police officer was injured, authorities confirmed.
Law enforcement swooped on the scene near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention campus after the university issued an active shooter alert at around 4 p.m.
“There is no ongoing threat to the Emory campus or the surrounding neighborhood,” the Atlanta Police Department said in an update.
“The incident involved a single shooter, who is now deceased. One law enforcement officers was injured in the course of the response.”
Emory University says shelter in place has been lifted
Friday 8 August 2025 23:43
,
Rhian Lubin
Emory University says the shelter in place alert has been lifted, but the police emergency continues.
Emory Emergency: A police emergency continues on the Emory Atlanta Campus at Emory Point. Avoid the area. Shelter in place has been lifted.
— EMORY_CEPAR (@EMORY_CEPAR) August 8, 2025
FBI en route to Emory University
Friday 8 August 2025 23:37
,
Rhian Lubin
The FBI Atlanta said it is “en route” to Emory University to support with the emergency response.
The bureau is “coordinating with local partners for any assistance that might be needed,” a statement said.
Georgia Attorney General: 'We're horrified by the news out of Emory University'
Friday 8 August 2025 23:30
,
Rhian Lubin
We’re horrified by the news out of Emory University and praying for the safety of the entire campus community.
— GA AG Chris Carr (@Georgia_AG) August 8, 2025
We stand ready to assist our law enforcement partners with whatever they may need.
Pictures from the scene
Friday 8 August 2025 23:19
,
Rhian Lubin
Pictures are coming through from the scene. They show law enforcement vehicles lining up outside near Emory University and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta.
Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia tells students to 'take cover'
Friday 8 August 2025 23:15
,
Rhian Lubin
Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia warns Emory students to take cover and said he is “praying” for a swift end to the current threat.
Students at Emory please take cover. Praying for a swift end to this threat. https://t.co/GQo8SYxQmK
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) August 8, 2025
What we know so far
Friday 8 August 2025 23:12
,
Rhian Lubin
- Emory University issued an alert of an active shooter at around 4 p.m., warning students to take cover.
- It is not clear if anyone has been shot.
- The university and Emory University Hospital are both on lockdown.
- Officers from the Atlanta Police Department have swooped on the scene and told the public to stay away from the area.
- Witnesses on the ground have reported hearing gunfire.
Atlanta PD: 'This is an active crime scene, please avoid the area'
Friday 8 August 2025 23:08
,
Rhian Lubin
SAFETY ALERT pic.twitter.com/j6xqiBBsOq
— Atlanta Police Department (@Atlanta_Police) August 8, 2025
Emory University warns students to "RUN, HIDE, FIGHT"
Friday 8 August 2025 23:01
,
Rhian Lubin
Emory Emergency: Active shooter on Emory Atlanta Campus at Emory Point CVS. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. Avoid the area. Shelter in place.
— Emory University (@EmoryUniversity) August 8, 2025
‘Active shooter’ reported near Emory University as Atlanta police rush to the scene
Friday 8 August 2025 22:57
,
Rhian Lubin
Emory University in Atlanta has warned of an “active shooter” at the CVS on campus as police rush to the scene.
The incident occurred near the main campus of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The university said in an alert on its website to “shelter in place” and “avoid the area.”
