A 30-year-old man’s obsession with the COVID-19 vaccine and grief over his dog appears to have driven a deadly shooting near the CDC, resulting in a slain officer and renewed calls for protection of public health workers.
At a Glance
- The shooter, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, opened fire near CDC headquarters in Atlanta on August 8, 2025, fatally wounding a police officer.
- The suspect blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for depression and suicidal thoughts and became fixated on it prior to the incident.
- His father reported him to the police, citing both his grief over losing his dog and worsening vaccine-related paranoia.
- At least four CDC buildings sustained bullet damage, prompting lockdowns and heightened security alerts.
- A CDC employees’ union urged the government to condemn vaccine misinformation and improve safety measures.
Background on the Shooting
On August 8, 2025, Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia, began shooting outside the CDC headquarters in Atlanta at around 4:50 p.m., killing DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, 33. White then barricaded himself in a nearby CVS pharmacy, where he died. Authorities have not confirmed whether the fatal injury was self-inflicted or inflicted by police.
Watch now: Suspected gunman in CDC shooting had grievance toward Covid vaccine: Sources · ABC News
Possible Motive and Lead-up
Law enforcement reveals that White held deep anti-vaccine beliefs, blaming the COVID-19 vaccine for his depression and suicidal ideation. His father alerted authorities to his mental distress, noting both the emotional turmoil from his dog’s death and his fixation on vaccines. A neighbor also reported that he frequently brought up his distrust of vaccines in unrelated conversations.
Impact and Response
The shooting left visible damage across the CDC campus, striking at least four buildings and triggering lockdowns. Employees were urged to work remotely or take leave amid security concerns. The CDC union condemned rising hostility fueled by vaccine disinformation and called for tangible safety enhancements.
Broader Concerns
The incident has intensified scrutiny of public rhetoric around vaccines. Critics argue that influential anti-vaccine messages may foster dangerous distrust. The CDC union and others are demanding accountability and protective measures to ensure the safety of public health workers moving forward.
Sources
Associated Press
Time
The Guardian
