COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Newly released body camera footage provides a troubling glimpse into the state of mind of a man whose violent actions a year later would leave a police officer dead and spark national concern. Patrick White is accused of unleashing a barrage of gunfire at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and taking his own life following a deadly encounter with law enforcement.
The footage comes from a call made to White’s residence by his father, who was alarmed by his son’s suicidal statements and fears that White had accessed a firearm. In the video recorded on Sept. 4, 2024, Ken White expresses concern over his son potentially harming himself after learning that he may have broken into a gun safe.
“We care about you. We want to help you. What can we do?” an officer can be heard asking Patrick White, who appeared to acknowledge his difficulties. “I think so,” White replied when asked if he needed someone to talk to.
During this encounter, White voiced his distress over pain linked to a previous surgery but attributed much of his suffering to the COVID-19 vaccine. Misconceptions about the vaccine proliferated in his statements as he repeated false claims regarding its dangers, asserting, “People die from it.” An officer responded, emphasizing that fatalities can occur both with and without the vaccine, but White remained unconvinced.
Ken White informed police that his son had essentially accessed his gun safe and threatened suicide, prompting him to take precautionary steps to prevent further risks. “He found the key to the lockbox. We’re getting rid of them,” Ken said, describing his efforts to move firearms out of the house.
Authorities believe that in August 2024, Patrick White did gain access to these firearms, which he later used to shoot hundreds of rounds at the CDC, associating the organization with his grievances surrounding the vaccine. This attack culminated in a deadly exchange of gunfire that ended with DeKalb County Officer David Rose losing his life.
After the shooting, White’s family made the difficult decision to have him involuntarily committed, and he left their residence in an ambulance.
In light of these events, calls for accountability reverberated through the community and beyond. At a Senate hearing, Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy extended condolences to Officer Rose’s family, highlighting the tragic consequences of mental health issues compounded by misinformation.
Both of Georgia’s U.S. senators have since called for Kennedy’s resignation, criticising his handling of the situation and urging for leadership that prioritizes public health and safety in such tumultuous times. As debates continue over vaccine misinformation and mental health resources, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention and support systems to address crises before they escalate into tragedy.