Authorities say a Georgia man who opened fire outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta last week believed the COVID-19 vaccine had caused him severe depression and suicidal thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The gunman, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, tried to enter the CDC\u2019s Roybal Campus on August 8 but was stopped at the security gate. He then began shooting, striking the building multiple times. During the incident, DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, who was responding to the scene, was fatally shot. White died shortly afterward, though investigators have not said whether he was killed by police or died by suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Investigators learned from White\u2019s father that his son had become increasingly convinced the vaccine was responsible for his mental health decline. Neighbors reported that White had grown more agitated and outspoken in recent months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to the attack, the union representing CDC employees urged federal leaders to publicly denounce vaccine misinformation, saying it creates a dangerous environment for public health workers. They also requested increased security measures and a delay in returning to on-site work until safety could be assured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some current and former CDC staff also criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, accusing him of fostering hostility toward the agency and reacting too slowly to the shooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officer Rose, 33, was a former Marine and was expecting his third child. He is being remembered for his service, dedication, and commitment to protecting others. The shooting has sparked renewed calls for stronger protections for public health employees and efforts to combat misinformation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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