A tragic incident occurred on Friday afternoon near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters and the Emory University campus in Atlanta, resulting in the death of a police officer.
According to authorities, Patrick Joseph White, 30, from Kennesaw, Georgia, has been identified as the suspected shooter.
He died during the confrontation.
The Atlanta Police Department reported that the suspect was found dead from a gunshot wound, which may have been self-inflicted, and confirmed that no civilians were harmed in the ordeal.
As of now, more than a day after the shooting, investigators have not revealed a potential motive for the attack.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) stated, “There is extensive evidence to collect due to the complex scene.
Numerous interviews are being conducted, and this investigation will take an extended period of time.”
DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was the officer killed in the incident, having responded to reports of gunfire.
He was transported to the hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter, as confirmed by officials during a press conference held on Friday evening.
In a heartfelt statement, the police department expressed, “Officer Rose served DeKalb County with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication.
Even in the face of danger, he was diligent in his duty to protect our community.”
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, DeKalb County CEO, called it a “dark day” for the county, noting that Officer Rose leaves behind a pregnant wife and two children.
The police department received reports of gunfire at approximately 4:50 p.m., prompting a swift shelter-in-place order at Emory University and a lockdown at the CDC headquarters.
Responding officers from DeKalb County located the suspect on the second floor of the CVS Pharmacy located at Emory Point, across from the CDC, where gunfire was exchanged.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum explained that during the exchange, the suspect fired multiple rounds at CDC buildings, causing windows to break.
CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez addressed staff in a video call on Saturday morning, expressing her concern and assuring them of the agency’s support.
Details regarding the extent of the damage at the CDC campus or specifics about the investigation remain sparse.
While the shooter directed gunfire at CDC buildings, law enforcement officials have yet to confirm any motive behind the attack.
In an email to CDC staff on Saturday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy described the violence as a reminder of the very human challenges faced by public servants, even in institutions dedicated to healing and progress.
Kennedy further acknowledged on X that public health workers should never face violence while protecting the health of others, emphasizing that the administration stands in solidarity with CDC staff in light of the tragedy.
At the time of the incident, there were 92 children present at a daycare center situated on the CDC campus, but thankfully, all remained unharmed.
In the aftermath of the shooting, four additional individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for stress and anxiety-related concerns, according to police reports.
The situation escalated quickly, resulting in an alert from Emory University advising people to “RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. Avoid the area,” following the incident.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp released a statement on X expressing gratitude toward first responders, commending them for rushing toward danger to subdue the shooter and prevent further loss of life.
He requested that the community keep all those impacted by the incident in their thoughts and prayers.
Both the FBI Atlanta and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation have taken the lead in investigating the incident further.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr also issued a statement expressing horror at the events unfolding in the community, urging prayers for the safety of the campus population.
Meanwhile, the White House has confirmed they are actively monitoring the situation as it develops.
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