CDC Employee Shooting Leaves Workers Unsatisfied with Leadership’s Response; Gunman’s Family Cooperates in Ongoing Investigation

A gunman who launched an attack on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last Friday obtained the firearms used in the incident from his father’s safe, as per state investigators’ statements Tuesday. The perpetrator, identified as Patrick Joseph White, discharged nearly 500 rounds during the attack, with most of the recovered shell casings originating from a long gun, one of the weapons White had taken from his father, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

White, who GBI Director Chris Hosey confirmed died by self-inflicted gunshot wound, expressed dissatisfaction with Covid-19 vaccines in written documents discovered at his residence. White aimed to publicize his distrust towards vaccines, Hosey stated.

On Tuesday, investigative updates were provided during a news conference, as the CDC convened an all-agency meeting where staff members sought more details about the shooting incident. However, some attendees expressed disappointment with the meeting, claiming no new information was shared and that comments were disabled, preventing questions from being asked.

The attack began shortly before 5 p.m. on Friday at a CVS pharmacy situated across from the CDC’s main entrance. DeKalb County police officer David Rose responded as White opened fire on the CDC complex; investigators confirmed Tuesday that Rose was fatally shot by White.

No one at the CDC was injured during the shooting. Approximately 200 of the nearly 500 rounds fired struck six CDC buildings on campus, located near Emory University on the eastern edge of Atlanta. Most of these shots were discharged from a long gun, investigators revealed – one of the five weapons White had stolen from his father. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed that all firearms belonged to White’s father.

All five firearms, including rifles, a shotgun, and a handgun, were recovered, Hosey said, adding that White’s family is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. White had no prior criminal record, Hosey informed reporters Tuesday. However, he had “recently verbalized thoughts of suicide,” Hosey said, and law enforcement was contacted several weeks before the shooting. It remains unclear who initiated contact with law enforcement.

According to a source familiar with the investigation, the gunman took his own life after failing to exit the CVS. Investigators believe White ran out of ammunition, but the door refused to open following a few rounds being fired at it.

The CDC’s all-agency meeting on Tuesday had been scheduled in advance, following the confirmation of Director Dr. Susan Monarez. Employees were anticipated to receive an update on available mental health resources from acting Chief Operating Officer Christa Capozzola, but technical difficulties prevented her from connecting to the call.

CDC employees are seeking information on how exactly the shooter managed to gain access to campus and why he was deterred. They also expect agency leadership to acknowledge the role that baseless attacks on federal employees and vaccines, perpetuated during the Trump Administration, may have played in the incident.

The meeting on Tuesday lasted approximately 17 minutes, with the shared information repeating what was already known about the incident and the extensive damage inflicted on CDC buildings. Both Monarez and Jeff Williams – who leads the Office of Safety, Security and Management – honored Rose during the meeting.

Employees had hoped to witness agency leaders expressing empathy and addressing concerns directly, but this did not occur. Group messages shared after the meeting revealed disappointment and criticism among employees.

The CDC has faced criticism throughout the second Trump administration as vaccine misinformation continues to circulate. On Monday, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime critic of Covid-19 vaccinations and proponent of vaccine misinformation, visited the CDC offices.

In an internal video addressed to staff prior to Tuesday’s meeting, Monarez stated, “Science and public health should never be under attack.” Monarez appeared emotional as she promised support for CDC employees left “shaken, saddened, and deeply concerned.”

“My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I want you to know that your safety, well-being, and sense of security remain my highest priority,” Monarez said. “Science and public health should never be under attack. What we do here is about protecting lives. It’s about preventing suffering and building healthier communities. Acts of violence will never weaken our resolve.”

A correction was made to the original headline, which incorrectly stated the number of rounds fired by the shooter at the CDC.