KENNESAW, Ga. / ATLANTA, Ga. — The Kennesaw location of Mellow Mushroom has quietly deleted a 2018 social media post spotlighting Patrick Joseph White — the 30-year-old identified as the gunman in Friday’s deadly shooting near the CDC headquarters in Atlanta that claimed the life of a DeKalb County police officer.
The now-removed post, originally meant to celebrate White as a “cool, calm, and collected” employee, resurfaced after the attack, becoming one of the earliest publicly available images of the suspect. Mellow Mushroom’s corporate office has not responded to requests for comment.
Deadly Confrontation Near CDC
Authorities say the violence unfolded Friday afternoon when White attempted to enter the CDC’s Roybal Campus around 4:50 p.m. and was turned away by security. He then opened fire at multiple CDC buildings before crossing the street to Emory Point, entering a CVS pharmacy.
DeKalb County Officer David Rose, 33, was among the first to respond. Rose was fatally wounded in the exchange, while another officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries. White was later found dead following a gunfight inside the CVS, though it remains unclear whether he died from police fire or a self-inflicted gunshot.
Officer Rose Remembered
Rose, who joined the department in September 2024, is survived by his wife, two young children, and a third child on the way. “He was committed to serving the community,” Interim Chief Greg Padrick said.
Suspect’s Background & Troubling Signs
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified White as a Kennesaw resident. Neighbors described him as helpful yet increasingly withdrawn in recent months, often voicing anti-vaccine beliefs and blaming the COVID-19 shot for health problems. Family members told investigators he was also deeply affected by the loss of his dog.
A LinkedIn profile under White’s name lists Kennesaw State University attendance and previous employment at Mellow Mushroom.
Heavy Law Enforcement Response
The incident triggered a massive multi-agency response involving Atlanta Police, DeKalb County Police, Georgia State Patrol, FBI, GBI, ATF, and Emory Police. The CDC campus and Emory University were placed on lockdown, with several CDC windows struck by gunfire. No civilians were injured.
The GBI says the investigation remains active, with evidence processing expected to take time given the scope of the crime scene. CDC staff have been advised to work remotely pending a full security review.
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