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Gunman incident on CDC campus yields approximately 500 bullet casings, report officials

Potential perpetrator, possibly discharging hundreds of bullets, allegedly targeted the CDC's hub last Friday, according to statements made by authorities this week.

Gunman attack at CDC campus leaves over 400 bullets found by authorities
Gunman attack at CDC campus leaves over 400 bullets found by authorities

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.

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