GBI Press Briefing: Shooting Near CDC, Officer David Rose Killed

Incident Overview and Officer Sacrifice

• 💔 The press briefing provides updates on the investigation into the incident that occurred near the CDC and Emory University on Friday, August 8th.
• 🎗️ The primary focus is on honoring Officer David Rose of the DeKalb County Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty during the incident.
• 🤝 Law enforcement agencies including the GBI, FBI, DeKalb County Police, Atlanta Police, and Emory University Police are collaborating on the investigation.

Shooter and Investigation Details

• 👤 The shooter has been identified as Patrick Joseph White, who had no known criminal history.
• ⚠️ Evidence indicates White had recently verbalized thoughts of suicide and expressed discontent with COVID-19 vaccinations in written documentation.
• 🏠 A search warrant executed at White's residence revealed these documents, which are being examined by GBI profilers and shared with the FBI.
• 🔫 Preliminary findings suggest Officer Rose's injuries were caused by one of the shooter's weapons; the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Crime Scene and Evidence

• 💥 Over 500 shell casings were recovered from the crime scene.
• 🏢 Approximately 200 rounds impacted six CDC buildings.
• 🔫 A total of five firearms, including rifles, a shotgun, and possibly a handgun, were recovered from the scene.
• 👨‍ forensic testing is ongoing for firearms and electronic items seized.
• 👮 Rounds fired by an Emory police officer did not strike the subject.

FBI's Role and Public Assistance

• 🚨 The FBI's SWAT team conducted a thorough room-by-room search of CDC facilities to ensure no victims were present.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All individuals, including children from the CDC daycare, were safely evacuated.
• 📞 The FBI is urging the public to submit any pertinent video evidence or information through their tip line (1-800-597-TIPS) or the 'See Something, Send Something' app.

Security and Ongoing Concerns

• 🔒 Law enforcement is communicating with CDC security to provide information and assist with threat assessments.
• ⚠️ While there has been no observed uptick in threats related to vaccine misinformation, authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
• 🔒 Indications suggest the shooter forced his way into a safe containing the weapons, despite suicidal ideations.