Georgia’s AtlantaThe suspect in Friday’s fatal shooting outside the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offices has been named by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) as Kennesaw resident Patrick Joseph White, 30. DeKalb County police officer Officer David Rose was killed in the incident, which also left one of the country’s best public health facilities covered in gunshot wounds.
Shooter Opened Fire Across from CDC Headquarters
According to authorities, White fired from across the street, breaking glass and hitting at least four CDC buildings on the expansive campus where thousands of scientists conduct vital disease research. A significant police response was prompted by the firing, which reportedly left shot shells on the sidewalk outside a neighboring CVS pharmacy.
In a social media post, CDC Director Susan Monarez verified the extent of the damage by posting pictures of windows in several buildings with bullet holes in them.
Fallen Officer Remembered
Officer Rose, 33, was a U.S. Marine in Afghanistan before joining the police force earlier this year. According to DeKalb County officials, he was a committed cop who soon gained the respect of his colleagues.
There’s a wife tonight who has no husband. According to Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, CEO of DeKalb County, there are three fatherless children and one unborn child.
Suspect Killed at the Scene
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that White passed away during the confrontation, however it is still unknown if he was shot by police or suffered a self-inflicted wound.
A law enforcement source told reporters that investigators found three more firearms at the site in addition to a long gun. White is a well-known individual, according to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, but the reason behind the attack is still being looked into.
Investigation Ongoing
Citing the intricacy of the crime scene and the substantial volume of evidence that needs to be examined, the GBI is spearheading the investigation. The agency stated in a statement that the investigation will take time because of the complexity of the scene and the amount of evidence that needs to be gathered.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel will keep up with developments in this inquiry. What concerns do you have regarding security around important federal buildings? Leave a comment with your ideas.
