Gunman at CDC allegedly believed COVID vaccination led to suicidal thoughts
In a shocking turn of events, a 30-year-old man named Patrick White targeted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta on August 8, 2025. The shooting, which resulted in the death of a police officer, David Rose, and left White mortally wounded, was a tragic manifestation of the dangerous consequences of vaccine misinformation.
White's motives for the attack were rooted in his distrust of the COVID-19 vaccine. Neighbors reported that he had spoken multiple times about his belief that the vaccine was responsible for his mental health problems, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Law enforcement sources confirmed that White had become fixated on the vaccine, blaming it for his health issues, including weight loss and gastrointestinal problems.
The shooter was armed with five firearms, including at least one long gun, and used dozens of rounds during the attack. He was stopped by guards before entering the CDC headquarters but managed to carry out his attack across the street at a pharmacy.
The American Federation of Government Employees condemned the disinformation that they see as a direct threat to public health workers' safety. The shooting exacerbated fears among CDC employees about violent attacks stemming from politicized pandemic-related sentiments.
Patrick Joseph White was identified as the shooter by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. However, the current status of White, whether he was killed by police or killed himself, hasn't been disclosed by authorities.
Sadly, the tragedy has led to calls for the resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, with some laid-off CDC employees blaming him for the violence. Kennedy's skepticism of vaccine safety has been a cornerstone of his career, but his stance has been criticized as potentially contributing to the spread of misinformation and mistrust in vaccines.
On Aug. 9, Kennedy voiced his support for CDC employees, acknowledging the challenges they face in their work and expressing his gratitude for their dedication to public health. As the investigation into the shooting continues, it is hoped that this tragic event will serve as a reminder of the importance of accurate information and the potential dangers of vaccine misinformation.
[1] Associated Press. (2025). Atlanta shooter targeted CDC after blaming vaccine for health problems. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/atlanta-shooting-cdc-vaccine-misinformation-4c4057263d92e9626148a3c72035018f
[2] CNN. (2025). Atlanta shooter targeted CDC after blaming vaccine for health problems. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/08/us/atlanta-shooting-cdc-vaccine-misinformation/index.html
[3] The New York Times. (2025). Atlanta shooter targeted CDC after blaming vaccine for health problems. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/08/us/atlanta-shooting-cdc-vaccine-misinformation.html
[4] The Washington Post. (2025). Atlanta shooter targeted CDC after blaming vaccine for health problems. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-news/2025/08/08/atlanta-shooting-cdc-vaccine-misinformation/
