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ATLANTA– DeKalb County is grieving the tragic loss of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, who died in the line of duty on Friday, Aug. 8, while responding to a call involving a gunman who opened fire on the headquarters of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta.
Authorities have confirmed that the father of the 30-year-old gunman had alerted law enforcement before the shooting that his son blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal. The CDC played a key role in promoting vaccinations during the COVID pandemic and has been heavily criticized by vaccine skeptics.
Officer Rose, 33, who graduated from the police academy in March of this year and was assigned to DeKalb’s North Central Precinct, was shot while responding to reports of an active shooter at the CVS pharmacy, located across the street from the CDC around 4:50 p.m. on Friday. Rose later died from his injuries at Emory University Hospital. The attack prompted a massive law enforcement response. Rose and the gunman were the only casualties in the shootout, authorities said.
The shooter was identified as Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, GA. White began firing from the CVS pharmacy, hitting at least four buildings at the CDC across the street. Authorities have not said if White was killed by police or if he took his own life. White was reported to be wearing a surgical mask and was armed with two handguns, a rifle and a shotgun, and had two backpacks filled with ammunition.
Authorities have not officially confirmed a motive and the investigation is ongoing.
Officer Rose leaves behind a wife, two young daughters, and a son expected to be born later this year, as well as his parents and siblings.
Interim DeKalb Police Chief Greg Padrick called on the community to pray for Officer Rose’s family, friends and the DeKalb Police Department family.
“He was committed to serving the community,” said Padrick. “At this time we’re asking for the community’s prayers for his family, his friends, his loved ones and the entire DeKalb County Police Department family.”
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson also expressed her grief and announced a GoFundMe campaign today that has been set up to assist the Rose family.
“As CEO of DeKalb County, I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Officer David Rose, who was ambushed and killed while serving the community he loved on August 8, 2025,” CEO Cochran-Johnson stated.
“David was the proud father of two, with another child on the way. He was known for his courage, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to others. His passing leaves a void that can never be filled.
In honor of his service and in support of his family, an official GoFundMe has been established to provide for his wife and children. I ask our community and all who are able, to stand with the Rose family during this difficult time.
We will never forget Officer Rose’s sacrifice, and we will continue to lift his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties,, and whose wife, Mereda Davis Johnson represents District 5 on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, reflected on the loss with heartfelt words.
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As DeKalb County mourns, flags at County facilities have been lowered to half-staff in honor of Officer Rose’s service and sacrifice. Further details about memorial arrangements will be shared when available.
Click on the link below to contribute to the GoFundMe page for Officer Rose’s family: 
https://www.gofundme.com/f/7xahr9-officer-roses-official-gofundme