Officer who died in shooting near CDC identified

The DeKalb County Police Officer who was shot and killed by a gunman near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters on Friday, Aug. 8, in Georgia was identified as David Rose. “Officer Rose served DeKalb County with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication,” the DeKalb County Police Department said in a statement on X Saturday, Aug. 9. 

“Even in the face of danger [he was] diligent in his duty to protect our community,” the agency said. 

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp wrote on X that “Rose’s service and memory will not be forgotten by a grateful state, and his loved ones and fellow @DeKalbCountyPD officers will remain in our hearts and prayers as they grieve his passing and this painful day.”

Kemp noted in an earlier statement that this was the second time in a week that “deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians.” There was a shooting at Fort Stewart Army base on Wednesday, Aug. 6, near Savannah.

The suspected shooter in the Atlanta incident was named by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said Friday he died at the scene, but “the agency does not know at this time whether that was from officers or if it was self-inflicted.”

CDC Director Susan Monarez said on X that no staff members were hurt, but White opened fire on at least four of the agency’s buildings, which are also close to Emory University. 

The CDC’s Roybal Campus will stay on lockdown as authorities investigate, Monarez added. 

“DeKalb County police, CDC security, and Emory University responded immediately and decisively, helping to prevent further harm to our staff and community,” she said. “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of everyone at CDC. We are actively coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to fully investigate the shooter and this tragic crime.” 

The New York Times and CNN both reported, based on anonymous law enforcement sources, that the gunman blamed the coronavirus for his illnesses. Officials have not released a motive.

A nearby CVS Pharmacy, where authorities apprehended the suspect, was also closed on Saturday, Aug. 9, the Associated Press wrote. There was an apparent bullet hole in its front door, and a bouquet had been placed outside the building.