Gunman incident on CDC campus yields approximately 500 bullet casings, report officials
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) campus was the site of a shocking incident on August 8, 2025. Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old individual, launched a shooting spree that left one person dead and caused chaos on the campus.
DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was fatally shot during the incident. Rose's tragic death has been a heavy blow to the law enforcement community. White also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, either during the confrontation with law enforcement or subsequently.
The gunman had a history of mental health struggles, including recent suicidal thoughts, and had been in contact with law enforcement weeks before the attack. Neighbours described him as fixated on vaccine-related conspiracy ideas, believing the COVID-19 vaccine had harmed his health with symptoms like weight loss and gastrointestinal problems.
White expressed his discontent with the COVID-19 vaccine in written documentation found during a search of his home. However, he did not make direct threats in the documents. The attack was widely seen as motivated by vaccine misinformation that fueled his anger and despair.
A total of five firearms were recovered from the scene, including a long gun that belonged to White's father. About 200 of the recovered rounds struck facilities on the CDC campus. Approximately 500 shell casings were recovered during the incident, but it is unclear if all of the rounds were fired by the gunman.
Electronic devices seized during the investigation are undergoing digital forensic examination. White had no criminal history.
CDC director Susan Monarez addressed the staff in an agency-wide meeting, promising resources, protection, and support for CDC employees. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic event. The CDC continues to be a vital organisation in the fight against disease, and we hope that this incident will not deter them from their important work.
**Update**
The meeting at the CDC was cut short due to technical difficulties. The story has been updated to clarify that not all of the 500 rounds may have been fired by the gunman.
- In the aftermath of the shooting incident on August 8, 2025, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) campus, the investigation into the attack is ongoing, primarily focusing on the role of mental health, vaccine misinformation, and potential links to gun violence in politics and crime-and-justice.
- As the CDC continues its essential work in health and wellness, mental health discussions have emerged within the organization, considering the connection between mental health struggles, such as suicidal thoughts, and the possibility of violent outbursts.
- Simultaneously, general news outlets have reported on the case, shedding light on vaccine-related conspiracy theories and how they may impact the health-and-wellness of individuals, leading to misinformation, anger, and potentially violent actions.
- Additionally, the tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of diversion programs, mental health resources, and reporting mechanisms within the law enforcement community to identify and support at-risk individuals before they act on their harmful intentions.
