Atlanta, Aug 9 (AP) – Investigators have identified 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia, as the shooter who opened fire at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, resulting in the death of Officer David Rose from the DeKalb County Police Department. The incident caused widespread panic among CDC employees and nearby students at Emory University.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation reported that Officer Rose was mortally wounded while responding to the shooting. Fortunately, no other individuals were injured, although four people sought medical attention for anxiety-related symptoms. Many CDC staff members took cover in their offices as bullets struck the agency’s headquarters.

White fired from across the street, leaving significant damage, including bullet holes in windows and bullet casings scattered outside a nearby CVS pharmacy. The attack prompted a swift and large-scale law enforcement response to one of the nation’s leading public health institutions. At least four CDC buildings were impacted, with dozens of visible bullet marks, according to CDC Director Susan Monarez.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at CDC’s Atlanta campus that took the life of officer David Rose.” He acknowledged the emotional toll on public health colleagues, emphasizing that no one should face violence while working to protect public health.

During the shooting, hundreds of CDC employees sheltered in place and were unable to leave for hours as investigators conducted interviews and collected evidence. Staff members were instructed to work from home or take leave on Monday. The CDC workforce was already facing uncertainties due to funding cuts, layoffs, and political disputes regarding the agency’s mission.

“Save the CDC” signs have become common in various Atlanta neighborhoods, with a group of laid-off employees urging elected officials to counteract funding cuts initiated by the Trump administration. Sarah Boim, a former CDC communications staffer who was terminated earlier this year, described the shooting as a “physical embodiment of the narrative that has taken over, attacking science, and attacking our federal workers.” She expressed devastation upon seeing images of the bullet-damaged windows.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens referred to White as a “known person that may have some interest in certain things” but did not disclose a motive. A neighbor reported that White had expressed distrust in COVID-19 vaccines during conversations, although she never anticipated he would resort to violence.

White died at the scene, with Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stating that it remains unclear whether his death was caused by police action or self-inflicted. He was armed with a long gun, and authorities recovered three additional firearms at the scene.

The CVS pharmacy remained closed the following morning, displaying bullet holes in its doors. A memorial bouquet was placed outside the building in remembrance of the incident.

Officer Rose, 33, was a former Marine who had served in Afghanistan and graduated from the police academy in March, quickly earning respect for his dedication and professionalism. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson remarked on the tragic impact of the shooting, highlighting the loss of a husband and father.

Residents near the incident expressed their concerns about gun violence, with one local stating that it has become a “fact of life” in Georgia. Monarez praised the police response and announced the cancellation of in-person work on Monday, acknowledging the fear and anxiety the shooting has caused among staff. (AP) SCY SCY