In the heart of Atlanta’s bustling academic and scientific hub, a devastating tragedy unfolded on Friday, August 8, 2025, near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What began as a routine afternoon in the vibrant Clifton Road area turned into a scene of chaos and loss, claiming the lives of a young police officer and a gunman in a violent confrontation that left a community grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) identified the shooter as Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old resident of Kennesaw, Georgia, who opened fire near the CDC’s Roybal Campus, across from a CVS store in the Emory Point shopping area. The gunfire shattered windows across at least four CDC buildings, sending employees and residents into a frenzy of fear. Amid the chaos, Officer David Rose, a 33-year-old rookie with the DeKalb County Police Department, responded to the call. A former U.S. Marine who had served in Afghanistan, Rose was known for his courage and dedication. He had joined the department in September 2024, graduating from the police academy in March 2025, and was stationed at the North Central Precinct.
As Rose arrived at the scene around 4:50 p.m., he confronted White, who was armed with multiple firearms, including a long gun. In the ensuing exchange, Rose was fatally wounded. Despite being rushed to Emory University Hospital, he could not be saved, leaving behind a wife, two daughters, and a third child—a son—due later that year. White was also killed, found dead on the second floor of the CVS from a gunshot wound, though it remains unclear whether it was self-inflicted or from police fire. Authorities confirmed that White and Rose were the only fatalities, with no civilians physically harmed, though four individuals were treated for stress and anxiety.
The incident prompted an immediate and overwhelming response from multiple agencies, including Atlanta Police, Emory University Police, the FBI, ATF, Georgia State Patrol, and local departments from Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Dunwoody. Lockdowns were enforced across the CDC, Emory University, and nearby facilities, including the Clifton School, where 92 children at a CDC daycare were safely evacuated and reunited with their families. Witnesses described a surreal scene: rapid gunfire, shattered glass, and helicopters overhead. Joel Miller, a parent waiting outside the Clifton School, spoke of the terror and relief of reuniting with his child, while a student named Vyas recalled the chilling sound of shots ringing out.
The investigation, led by the GBI at the request of Emory University Police and Atlanta Police, is ongoing, with authorities describing the crime scene as complex. Extensive evidence collection and witness interviews are expected to take time, as investigators work to uncover White’s motives. While early rumors suggested a possible connection to grievances over the COVID-19 vaccine, officials have dismissed these claims as unverified, urging the public to await confirmed findings. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Governor Brian Kemp, and CDC Director Susan Monarez condemned the violence, praising Rose’s heroism and calling for unity in supporting his grieving family.
Officer David Rose’s death has left an indelible mark on DeKalb County. Described by Interim Police Chief Greg Padrick as a hero who “ran toward danger,” Rose embodied the best of law enforcement. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson highlighted the personal toll: a wife left without a husband, two daughters and an unborn son without a father. Flags across the county were lowered to half-staff, and social media overflowed with tributes to Rose’s bravery and sacrifice.
As Atlanta begins to heal, the memory of Officer David Rose—a Marine, a father, a protector—stands as a beacon of courage. The investigation into Patrick Joseph White’s actions continues, but for now, the community mourns a fallen hero whose final act was to shield others from harm, a testament to his unwavering commitment to duty.
