Gunman responsible for CDC shooting succumbs to self-inflicted bullet wound, according to Georgia investigators' account
Atlanta Shooting: A Tragedy Spurred by Vaccine Misinformation
In a shocking turn of events, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta was the site of a tragic shooting on August 9, 2025. The shooter, identified as Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old man, took the lives of one police officer and caused widespread panic before taking his own life[1][2].
White's actions were not a random act of violence. Investigations have revealed that he was battling mental health issues, which he attributed to the COVID-19 vaccine. He believed the vaccine had caused him serious physical illness, including weight loss, swallowing difficulties, and gastrointestinal problems[1][3]. His anger and conspiracy-minded views led him to believe that the media and government were hiding the truth about vaccine harms[3].
The shooting incident has sparked concern among CDC employees, with a workers’ union calling for federal condemnation of misinformation that endangers scientists[1]. The union believes this incident underscores the risks associated with vaccine misinformation.
White obtained the firearm used in the attack from his father's collection, and he broke into a locked safe to get it[1]. He was stopped by CDC security guards before he could drive to a nearby pharmacy, where he intended to open fire from the sidewalk[1].
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, but it appears that White's mental health struggles and grievances against the vaccine system were the primary motivations behind the attack[1][3]. White had expressed his discontent with COVID-19 vaccinations in documents found at his home[3].
Notably, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been a leader in the national anti-vaccine movement before being appointed to oversee federal health agencies, toured the CDC campus on Monday, accompanied by Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill and CDC Director Susan Monarez[4]. Kennedy did not speak to the media during his visit[4].
In light of this tragedy, it is crucial to remember the resources available for those struggling with mental health crises. The new three-digit code 988 can be called or texted to reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week[5]. You can also visit 988lifeline.org for more information.
[1] ABC News. (2025, August 10). Shooting at CDC headquarters in Atlanta leaves one officer dead. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/shooting-cdc-headquarters-atlanta-leaves-officer-dead/story?id=87064848
[2] CNN. (2025, August 10). One dead, multiple injured in shooting at CDC headquarters in Atlanta. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/09/us/atlanta-cdc-shooting/index.html
[3] The Washington Post. (2025, August 11). Atlanta shooting suspect's mental health struggles linked to COVID-19 vaccine, officials say. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/08/11/atlanta-shooting-suspects-mental-health-struggles-linked-covid-19-vaccine-officials-say/
[4] The Hill. (2025, August 10). Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tours CDC headquarters following shooting. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/3737853-robert-f-kennedy-jr-tours-cdc-headquarters-following-shooting/
[5] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Retrieved from https://988lifeline.org/
- Amidst the ongoing investigation of the Atlanta shooting at the CDC headquarters, concerns about the impact of health-and-wellness misinformation, particularly regarding mental health and COVID-19 vaccines, have been raised by the workers’ union.
- In contrast to the tragedy unfolded in Atlanta, it's crucial to promote awareness about mental health resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers support for those struggling with mental health crises, 24/7.
