Patrick Joseph White Georgia shooter: A shooting close to Emory University, which was just outside the headquarters of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on Friday left two people dead, including a police officer, as per a report. The suspected gunman, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia, was later found dead in a nearby building, as reported by CBS News.
Patrick Joseph White Identified as Gunman For Shooting Near the CDC Campus
The shooting began just before 5 p.m. across from the main entrance of the CDC campus and led to a massive law enforcement response, according to the report. Bullet marks were found in windows across the sprawling campus, as per the CBS News report. At least four CDC buildings were hit, according to Director Susan Monarez, and she added that no CDC employees or visitors were harmed, as per the report.
Emory University issued an alert during the shooting, warning of an “Active shooter on Emory Atlanta Campus at Emory Point CVS. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. Avoid the area. Continue shelter in place. Police on scene,” as quoted in the CBS News report. However, the shelter in place was lifted sometime after 6:30 p.m., as per the report.
At a nearby restaurant, staff members said they heard what sounded like fireworks, one shot after another, according to CBS News. Brandy Giraldo, chief operating officer of The General Muir restaurant, said, “It sounded like fireworks going off, one right after the other,” as quoted in the report. She reportedly then saw people running past her business as two people paused to warn them of a shooter nearby, reported CBS News.
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Investigation Continues, Motive Still Unknown
The motive behind the attack is still unknown, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said on Friday, as reported by CBS News. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement expects it to continue for an extended period of time, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said on Saturday, as per the report.
Monarez said that Monday would be a remote workday so the agency could conduct a security assessment before people return to their offices, and in her X post, she called the shooting an “attack on our Roybal Campus,” referring to the office complex, as reported by CBS News.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said the gunman was found on the second floor of a building across the street from the CDC campus, according to the report. It is not yet known whether White died from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound, as authorities recovered a long gun and three other firearms at the scene, according to a law enforcement official, as reported by CBS News. Schierbaum said that “we do not know at this time whether that was from officers or if it was self-inflicted,” as quoted in the report.
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Police Officer David Rose Killed in Line of Duty
The officer killed was identified as 33-year-old David Rose, as per the CBS News report. He was a member of the DeKalb County Police Department, and the Interim Chief Greg Padrick described him as “committed to serving the community,” as quoted in the CBS News report.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson wrote in a social media Facebook post, “This evening, there is a wife without a husband. There are three children, one unborn, without a father,” as quoted in the report.
FBI Director Kash Patel called Rose a hero who “made the ultimate sacrifice,” and added that “Pray for the family, friends, and colleagues of this hero who acted quickly to defend others and made the ultimate sacrifice,” as per an X post, reported CBS News.
In an email to employees, Monarez said that “As we navigate the aftermath of this event, we want to express our eternal gratitude to law enforcement personnel who were injured and share our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Dekalb County Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty,” as quoted in the report.
Emory University Leaders Praise Law Enforcement’s Response
Emory University leadership thanked law enforcement for their swift response, as the presidents of Emory University on Saturday said that the law enforcement “enabled a well-coordinated, multi-agency team to confront a threat and keep our community safe,” as quoted in the CBS News report.
Leah Ward Sears, Interim President-Elect and Gregory L. Fenves, President and Chancellor-Elect, said that “In putting themselves in harm’s way to keep each of us safe, they put our community first with incredible bravery and selflessness,” as quoted in the report.
Governor Brian Kemp Reacts to Tragedy
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp acknowledged the tragedy in a statement, referencing the CDC shooting and a separate incident at Fort Stewart, saying, “Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians,” adding, “Each time, brave first responders rushed toward the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives, reminding us of just how crucial they are,” as quoted by CBS News report.
FAQs
Who was the Georgia gunman in the CDC shooting?
The gunman was identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia, as per the CBS News report.
Was the gunman killed by police?
It is not yet clear whether Patrick White died from police gunfire or by suicide.