On a sweltering August afternoon in Atlanta, the familiar hum of activity near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) campus was shattered by a rapid volley of gunfire. What began as a routine Friday quickly turned tragic, leaving an officer dead, a community in mourning, and a nation once again grappling with the consequences of violence in public spaces.
Authorities have identified the gunman as Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old resident of Kennesaw, Georgia, a town roughly 30 miles from the CDC campus. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, White opened fire from inside a CVS pharmacy across the street from the CDC, targeting the federal health agency’s buildings and, in a devastating turn, a responding DeKalb County police officer. The events unfolded on August 8, 2025, sending shockwaves through the Emory community and prompting an immediate lockdown of nearby institutions, including Emory University, Emory University Hospital, and several local schools and daycares.
The officer killed in the line of duty was David Rose, a 33-year-old married father of two, with a third child on the way. Rose’s death marks the fourth Georgia law enforcement fatality in 2025, placing the state third in the nation for officer deaths this year, trailing only California and Texas, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. The loss of Officer Rose is being felt deeply, not only by his colleagues but also by the community he served—and knew so well.
Rose was no stranger to the Emory area. As DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson noted, “This young man, as a kid, literally grew up in the Emory community—walking the halls of the hospital.” She added, “That young man has been answering the call all of his life.” His mother, she said, believed that his familiarity with the area was part of why he responded so swiftly to the unfolding crisis. “His mom continually said he was always the first to help, that he’s just been such a good kid all of his life.”
Rose’s journey to law enforcement was marked by dedication and leadership. Having been hired in September 2024, he graduated from the department’s police academy in March 2025, serving as the class leader for the 138th academy. Cochran-Johnson recalled him vividly: “He was a part of the first class that I addressed as CEO,” she said. “Just looking at him, you knew he was special.”
During his graduation, Rose addressed his fellow officers, reflecting on the shared sense of duty that bound them together. “We had one thing in common. We wanted to serve,” Rose said in his speech. “We wanted to (be) part of something greater than ourselves. We wanted to wear the badge, not for the sake of the title, but for the responsibility that comes with it. And responsibility is exactly what this job demands.” He went on to emphasize, “From the very first day, we learned that policing isn’t just about enforcing the law. It’s about protecting the vulnerable, standing for justice and being the person who runs toward danger when others run away.”
On that fateful Friday, Rose did exactly that—he ran toward danger. According to CNN, the gunman, White, initially targeted the CDC buildings, firing several rounds and shattering windows. CDC Director Susan Monarez confirmed that at least four buildings were struck, with bullet holes visible in the aftermath. Employees recounted harrowing moments as bullets pierced windows and whizzed past cubicles. “It’s a miracle no one was killed here,” one CDC employee told CNN.
Perhaps most chilling, there were 92 children in a daycare on the CDC campus as the gunfire erupted. A mother, whose child was among them, expressed her anguish to CBS News: "I'm also a bit angry that at a year and a half, he would have to experience something like this.” She added, “It’s anxiety-inducing, it’s very scary.”
The chaos reverberated beyond the CDC. Brandy Giraldo, chief operating officer of the nearby General Muir’s deli, described the sound as “fireworks going off, one right after the other,” according to the Associated Press. The gunfire triggered an immediate lockdown of the CDC, Emory University, Emory University Hospital, and surrounding facilities, as campus officials issued a stark warning: “Active shooter on Emory Atlanta Campus at Emory Point CVS. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. Avoid the area. Continue shelter in place. Police on scene.”
In the midst of this turmoil, Officer Rose responded to the scene. A law enforcement official told CNN that after White turned his weapon away from the CDC, he aimed at Rose. The officer was struck and later died at Emory University Hospital. The DeKalb County Police Department paid tribute to his valor, stating, “Officer Rose served DeKalb County with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Even in the face of danger was he diligent in his duty to protect our community.” Interim Chief Greg Padrick echoed this sentiment, remarking, “We answer the call to serve our community, and he gave his life with a commitment to serve others, and he should be respected for that.”
The motive behind White’s actions remains unclear. Officials have not released a definitive explanation, though one law enforcement source told CNN that White may have believed he had an illness caused by the COVID-19 vaccine and possibly targeted the CDC for that reason. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens commented, “He is a known person that may have some interests in certain things that I can’t reiterate right now with any confidence until the investigation is fully conducted.” The uncertainty surrounding White’s intent only adds to the community’s unease.
White himself was found dead on the second floor of the CVS. Authorities have not determined whether his death was self-inflicted or the result of police action, according to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. No civilians were injured during the incident—a fact that several officials have described as miraculous, given the number of people, including young children, present in the area.
The tragedy has drawn widespread attention and condolences. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson called Friday a “very dark day” for the community and especially for Rose’s family. “This evening there is a wife without a husband,” she said. “There are three children, one unborn, without a father.” Georgia lawmakers, including Senator Raphael Warnock and Representative Mike Collins, acknowledged the loss and offered their prayers. FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X, “Pray for the family, friends, and colleagues of this hero who acted quickly to defend others and made the ultimate sacrifice. The FBI will offer them our full support.”
As the investigation continues and the community begins to heal, Rose’s legacy as a dedicated public servant endures. His commitment, leadership, and willingness to run toward danger will not soon be forgotten. In an era where tragedy often makes headlines, the courage and selflessness of Officer David Rose stand as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made to keep communities safe.