Suspect in shooting near Emory, CDC identified by GBI as 30-year-old from Cobb County

by Atlanta First News staff

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has identified the man accused of opening fire near Emory University and the CDC on Friday afternoon.

Investigators said Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old from Kennesaw, was the suspect. He died in the shooting, although it’s unclear whether he was shot by officers or died by suicide.

“There is extensive evidence to collect due to the complex scene. Numerous interviews are being conducted,” the GBI said in its statement. “This investigation will take an extended period of time.”

Police were called to the CVS at Emory Point, a mixed-use development surrounded by Emory’s campus, at around 4:50 p.m. DeKalb County police officer David Rose, 33, was shot and killed during the encounter.

Officer David Rose, killed in the Emory University shooting

At least four buildings were also hit by bullets at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s headquarters, which is across the street from the CVS, CDC Director Susan Monarez said.

A law enforcement official told the Associated Press that the shooter was armed with a long gun, and authorities found three other firearms at the scene.

A woman who lives across the street from White’s home called the situation “unbelievable and unsettling.” She told Atlanta News First he was always pleasant and often helped neighbors do yard work or complete chores.

While he never discussed politics, he was against vaccines — especially the COVID-19 vaccine, which he believed made him sick, according to the neighbor.

Officials have not commented on the shooter’s motive.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.