Atlanta Shooting Spree at CDC Leaves Officer Dead and Community in Shock

On August 8, Patrick Joseph White, 30, drove 33 miles from his Kennesaw home to the CDC near Emory University, armed with five of his father's guns, and opened fire with what appeared to be an assault rifle, killing a police officer before taking his own life. The incident, which lasted approximately 36 minutes, resulted in nearly 500 shots fired, with close to 200 rounds striking CDC buildings, prompting lockdowns at the CDC, university, and nearby facilities. Investigators revealed that White had a history of suicidal threats and believed the COVID-19 vaccine caused his back pain, and his father was among those who alerted authorities about his possible involvement during the shooting.