Inside the Mind of Patrick Joseph White: Neighbors Share Insights on the Emory University and CDC Atlanta Shooter

KENNESAW, Ga. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has named Patrick Joseph White as the shooter in a recent incident near Emory University and the CDC.

White was found dead in a CVS on Clifton Road on Friday. Authorities have not confirmed how he died, whether from his own gun or police fire. His home was in Kennesaw, a quiet neighborhood where few would expect such violence.

Neighbors shared mixed feelings about White. One resident, who wanted to stay anonymous, mentioned he was upset about the COVID-19 vaccine, which he believed caused an illness. However, Joshua Shira, a neighbor who occasionally saw White working for his grandfather, expressed shock. He described White as a regular guy who helped with yard work but never showed signs of violence.

Shira was home when police swarmed the neighborhood. He thinks White’s family didn’t know he was the suspect until the police arrived. “It’s surreal,” he said, noting he could hardly believe it was someone he knew.

The shooting took place around 4:50 p.m. when White opened fire in the CVS, striking windows of the CDC across the street. Schools and hospitals in the area went on lockdown. A DeKalb County police officer, David Rose, was shot in the chaos and sadly died from his injuries.

Reports indicate White was heavily armed, having multiple firearms at the scene. The GBI continues to investigate, supported by the FBI and local police.

As gun violence continues to raise alarms nationwide, experts highlight the importance of mental health awareness. Studies show that many shooters may suffer from untreated mental illnesses. For instance, a 2022 study found that nearly 60% of mass shooters exhibited signs of mental distress before their actions. Understanding underlying issues is crucial, especially when incidents like this occur in seemingly normal communities.

Social media reactions reflect community disbelief. Many shared their shock, expressing that a neighborhood person could be involved in such an act. Public conversations now include calls for better mental health resources, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent tragedies like this.

The GBI is taking the lead in this case as they piece together what happened. As more information becomes available, discussions about safety and mental health will be essential for preventing such incidents in the future.

For further insights on gun violence trends and preventive measures, you can read more from the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/index.html) and ongoing studies in public health. These sources aim to shed light on the broader implications of such events on mental well-being and community safety.

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