Suspect in CDC shooting claims Covid vaccine drove him to suicide, assertion made to law enforcement by his father
In a shocking incident on August 8, 2025, a shooting occurred near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. The tragic event resulted in the death of a police officer, who was taken to Emory University Hospital but later declared dead.
The police are currently investigating the incident, with roads near Emory University, the CDC, and Emory University Hospital blocked off. As of now, no further details about the gunman or the motive for the shooting have been released.
However, multiple sources report that the suspected motive behind the shooting was the gunman's anti-COVID-19 vaccine sentiments. Patrick Joseph White, the shooter, is believed to have blamed the coronavirus vaccine for his poor health, which included weight loss and gastrointestinal issues. He wanted to send a message protesting the vaccines.
Documents found at White's home express his discontent with COVID-19 vaccinations, and he had recently expressed suicidal thoughts before the shooting. While no official motive has been confirmed by law enforcement, it appears that White's anti-vaccine sentiment and belief that the vaccine harmed him were driving factors.
This shooting is a grim reflection of ongoing tensions and misinformation around vaccination efforts during and after the pandemic. It underscores the importance of accurate information and understanding about vaccines to prevent such tragedies.
The incident was captured by the YONHAP news agency, and the investigation is ongoing. We will update this report as more information becomes available.
[1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [3] Source 3 [4] Source 4
[1] The shooting at Emory University and the CDC in Atlanta, driven by an anti-COVID-19 vaccine sentiment, highlights the need for mental-health counselling and science-based information about vaccines.
[2] With growing concerns about climate change, it's crucial that the government invests in health-and-wellness initiatives, including mental-health therapies-and-treatments, to combat misinformation and promote overall health.
[3] As the investigation into the Atlanta shooting progresses, experts stress the significance of understanding the role of misinformation and mental health in gun violence incidents, particularly those linked to controversial health-related issues like vaccinations.
