Suspect in CDC shooting claims COVID vaccine led to suicidal feelings, father reveals to authorities.
Gunman's Motive Revealed in CDC Shooting Incident
In a shocking turn of events, a 30-year-old man identified as Patrick Joseph White opened fire at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, in August 2025. The incident resulted in the tragic death of a police officer, David Rose, and White's own self-inflicted gunshot wound[1][4][5].
White's motive, according to law enforcement and sources close to him, was centered on his grievance towards the COVID-19 vaccine. He believed that the vaccine had caused his mental and physical health problems, including depression and suicidal ideation, which he blamed on the vaccine and related misinformation issues[1][3].
The shooting took place at the CDC campus, where White fired multiple rounds, breaking windows across at least four buildings[1][2][3][4]. The incident prompted calls from a CDC workers' union for federal officials to condemn vaccine misinformation, which they said endangered public health scientists[1].
Rose, the police officer killed in the shooting, was a former Marine who served in Afghanistan, graduated from the police academy in March, and was respected by his colleagues for his dedication, courage, and professionalism[3]. The shooting left Rose's wife without a husband, and he leaves behind three children, one unborn[4].
During the shooting, dozens of impacts were visible from outside the campus, and hundreds of CDC staffers had to shelter in place, with many unable to leave for hours afterward[2]. The CVS located on the campus remained closed with bullet holes in its front and rear doors[2].
White was armed with five firearms, including at least one long gun, and three additional firearms were recovered at the scene[1]. The shooter's father contacted police and identified his son as the possible shooter[1].
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens described the gunman as a "known person that may have some interest in certain things," without naming him[2]. A neighbor of the shooter, Nancy Hoalst, stated that the shooter spoke multiple times about his distrust of COVID-19 vaccines[1]. Hoalst described the shooter as friendly and "seemed like a good guy," but he would bring up vaccines even in unrelated conversations[1].
The shooting comes at a time when CDC workers face uncertain futures due to Trump administration funding cuts, layoffs, and political disputes over their agency's mission[6]. Outside the complex that includes the CVS and four floors of apartments above the store, some people came to examine what had happened[2].
[1] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution [2] The Washington Post [3] CNN [4] NBC News [5] Associated Press [6] The New York Times
- The motive of the gunman, Patrick Joseph White, in the CDC shooting incident was linked to his opposition towards COVID-19 vaccines, which he believed caused his mental and physical health issues, including depression and suicidal ideation.
- David Rose, a former Marine and police officer dedicated to his duty, lost his life in the shooting incident at the CDC headquarters.
- The shooting incident led to a call from a CDC workers' union for federal officials to address vaccine misinformation, as they believe it poses a threat to public health scientists.
- White carried five firearms, including at least one long gun, and three additional firearms were recovered at the scene, according to law enforcement sources.
- The shooting incident in California's CDC campus resulted in hundreds of staffers being forced to shelter in place, with many being stuck for hours, and a local CVS remaining shut due to bullet holes in its doors.
- The incident occurred at a critical time for CDC workers, who are facing uncertain futures due to funding cuts, layoffs, and political disputes under the Trump administration, according to reports from general news sources.
