The CDC shooter, Patrick Joseph White, attempted to enter the agency’s Atlanta campus two days before the attack, as revealed in an internal email, suggesting he was conducting reconnaissance. This development underscores ongoing security concerns and the tragic impact of the shooting.
Who: The incident involves Patrick Joseph White, who carried out the shooting at the CDC, resulting in the death of police officer David Rose. Key players include CDC staff, security personnel, and investigators from various agencies.
What: White tried to enter the CDC visitor’s center on August 6 but was turned away by security without incident. He later executed a shooting on August 8, firing hundreds of rounds at the campus from across the street.
When: The attempted entry occurred on August 6, 2025, the shooting took place on August 8, and this information was made public through an internal email on August 21, 2025.
Where: The events unfolded at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, specifically targeting the campus buildings and surrounding areas.
Why: White was motivated by anger over the Covid-19 vaccine, as stated by CDC officials and his father, who also highlighted mental illness as a contributing factor to his actions.
How: Security camera footage captured White’s attempted entry on August 6. During the shooting, he used firearms to fire rounds, many of which were stopped by blast-resistant glass in the buildings. Existing security protocols prevented his access on the day of the attack.
Impact: The shooting led to the death of Officer Rose, lockdowns for CDC employees, damage to multiple buildings, and a significant increase in security measures. It has also sparked concerns about anti-public health rhetoric and the safety of health workers.
What’s next: Cleanup and repairs are ongoing at the CDC campus, with some employees returning to work. The investigation into the shooting continues, and there are calls for reduced misinformation and increased support for public health officials from leadership.