Deadly Shooting Near CDC Leaves Officer David Rose and Gunman Patrick Joseph White Dead in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA — A deadly shooting near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Emory University has left two people dead, including a respected law enforcement officer, in an incident that has shaken the Atlanta community and drawn statewide attention. Authorities have identified the shooter as Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, Georgia, a city located about 30 miles northwest of the CDC campus.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the tragedy unfolded on [insert date if known] when reports of gunfire erupted near the Clifton Road area, a location known for its proximity to the CDC headquarters and Emory University’s campus. Responding officers quickly arrived at the scene, where they encountered an active threat.

During the confrontation, Officer David Rose—a veteran member of the local police force—was fatally shot. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as sirens blared, streets were cordoned off, and law enforcement swarmed the area to protect nearby facilities and civilians. In the ensuing exchange, White was also shot and killed by officers.

“Officer Rose made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” a police spokesperson said during a press briefing. “He gave his life to protect the people of Atlanta, and we will forever honor his bravery.”

The GBI has launched a full investigation into the incident, including a review of White’s background and possible motives. Authorities have not disclosed whether the CDC or Emory University were specific targets, but both institutions were placed on temporary lockdown as a precaution.

Patrick Joseph White, according to public records, was a resident of Kennesaw with no immediate known ties to the CDC. Investigators are examining his personal history, mental health status, and any potential connections to the area.

News of Officer Rose’s death has sent waves of grief through the Atlanta Police Department and the broader law enforcement community. Fellow officers remembered him as a dedicated public servant with a strong commitment to community safety. Outside the police precinct, flowers and candles have been placed in his honor, while a black mourning ribbon now adorns the department’s flag.

Local leaders, including Atlanta’s mayor and Georgia’s governor, have expressed condolences and pledged support for Officer Rose’s family. Plans for a memorial service are already underway, and the governor has ordered flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff in his honor.

Residents of Atlanta remain on edge as they await further details from the GBI’s investigation. For many, the shooting has underscored both the unpredictable dangers officers face daily and the fragility of life in the face of senseless violence.