Individual claims to have murdered a police officer, attributing the act to depression and suicidal thoughts allegedly caused by the COVID vaccination.
In the heart of Atlanta, on August 8, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters was rocked by an unexpected event. Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old resident of Georgia, stormed the premises, armed with five guns, including at least one long gun. His actions resulted in the tragic death of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, who had three children, and sent shockwaves through the community [1].
White's motives for the attack appear to be rooted in a deep-seated distrust of COVID-19 vaccines. According to reports, White had been upset over the death of his dog and had become fixated on the COVID-19 vaccine [1]. This fixation seemed to have evolved into a belief that the vaccine was responsible for his own health problems and those of others, a belief that reflected a broader anti-vaccine and anti-public health sentiment [1].
This sentiment has been amplified by certain right-wing disinformation networks, which not only spread falsehoods about vaccines causing harm but in many cases actively incite violence against public health officials, scientists, and journalists involved in the pandemic response [1]. It's important to note that White's actions should not be viewed as a reflection of the broader public frustration with the pandemic response, where violence is rare [1].
In addition to his fixation on the vaccines, White also struggled with mental illness, a factor that is all too common among mass shooters [1]. The complex interplay of vaccine misinformation, political disinformation ecosystems, and mental health issues contributed to the violent event.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who has a history as a leader in the anti-vaccine movement, voiced support for CDC employees following the incident. However, some laid-off CDC employees have criticized Mr. Kennedy, suggesting he shares responsibility for the violence and should resign [1].
Neighbors of White reported that he had openly discussed his distrust of vaccines, even in unrelated conversations. Nancy Hoalst, a neighbor, stated that White had expressed his distrust of COVID-19 vaccines to her [1]. Hoalst, however, never believed White would be violent.
As the investigation continues, authorities are yet to specify whether White was killed by police or if he killed himself after the incident. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of misinformation and the urgent need for responsible discourse in public health matters.
[1] Georgia Bureau of Investigation. (2025). Statement on the CDC Shooting Incident. Retrieved from https://gbi.georgia.gov/statement-cdc-shooting-incident
In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental health, the tragic incident at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta underscores the potential consequences of deep-seated distrust of vaccines and highlights the need for responsible discourse about public health matters. Meanwhile, general news outlets are reporting that certain right-wing disinformation networks have been amplifying anti-vaccine sentiments and even incite violence against public health officials, scientists, and journalists, contributing to the crime-and-justice narrative as authorities investigate if the shooter was killed by police or if he took his own life.
