Fundraiser For Slain Officer's Family Established After CDC Shooting

EAST ATLANTA, GA — Nearly $200,000 has been raised for the family of a DeKalb County police officer killed in a shooting Friday at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where controversy has sparked regarding the safety of workers.

"Officer (David) Rose was ambushed while serving and protecting the community he loved," DeKalb County officials said in a news release on Sunday.

Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, was accused of firing shots at the CDC campus from across the street, leaving gaping bullet holes in windows and littering the sidewalk outside a CVS pharmacy with bullet casings.

The attack, near Emory University, prompted a massive law enforcement response to one of the nation’s most prominent public health institutions. Police said White, who reportedly spoke about his distrust of the COVID-19 vaccine before the shooting, died in the gunfire.

“We do not know at this time whether that was from officers or if it was self-inflicted,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said on Friday.

Rose was shot while responding to the shooting at Clifton Road and CDC Parkway. He was rushed to Emory University Hospital, where he later died of his injuries, DeKalb County Police said.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday visited the Atlanta site to meet with CDC Director Susan Monarez - much to the dismay of current and former CDC workers who protested his visit, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

CDC staffers across the U.S. were working remotely Monday, WXIA-TV reported.

“I think this violence was a result of the rhetoric used by the secretary of health and his appointees and followers, vilifying CDC, CDC workers, accusing us of atrocities, and some of his followers have said we need to be punished,” CDC employee Anne Yousaf said in a separate report from WXIA-TV.

Yousaf called for Kennedy to publicly speak against violent acts targeting public health workers, WXIA-TV reported.

On Saturday, Kennedy tweeted a statement, saying his agency was supporting the CDC.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at CDC’s Atlanta campus that took the life of officer David Rose. We stand with his wife and three children and the entire CDC family," Kennedy wrote on X.

"We know how shaken our public health colleagues feel today. No one should face violence while working to protect the health of others. We are actively supporting CDC staff on the ground and across the agency. Public health workers show up every day with purpose — even in moments of grief and uncertainty. We honor their service. We stand with them. And we remain united in our mission to protect and improve the health of every American."

Who Was David Rose?

Rose's wife, only identified in the news release as "Mrs. Rose," acknowledged the support her family has received since the tragic shooting.

“David was my rock, my best friend and the love of my life,” she said in the release. “He was deeply committed to his family and to serving others. He was fearless and loyal, and an amazing husband and father. While we are devastated by his loss, the outpouring of support from DeKalb County and across the nation means more than words can express. Thank you for standing with our family during this heartbreaking time.”

RELATED:

• CDC Gunman Spoke About Distrust Of COVID-19 Vaccines Before Shooting
• Shooter, Officer Dead Near CDC And Emory University, Police Say

Rose grew up in Gwinnett County before entering the DeKalb County Police Academy in September 2024 and graduating in March, county officials said.

The husband and father of two children was a member of the first academy class under the current administration, county officials said. His wife is currently pregnant, county officials said.

A U.S. Marine veteran, Rose served four years after joining the Corps. in May 2013 and was deployed from May to October 2015 to Kuwait, the AJC reported.

“Officer Rose served with honor, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the safety of our community,” DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said in the release. “His loss is a profound tragedy, and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children and loved ones. We stand with them during this unimaginable time.”

Nearly $200,000 had been raised for Rose's family as of late Monday morning, according to the GoFundMe. Police and family say it is the sole organized fundraiser for Rose.

"All donations will go directly toward supporting his loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss. ... Every act of kindness makes a difference. ... We thank you for your compassion, prayers and support for the Rose family," police said in a Facebook post published Monday.

Police said anyone wishing to offer their condolences can visit DKPD headquarters, 1960 W. Exchange Place in Tucker.

ALSO SEE: Get The Latest Local News (For Free!) With One Quick Tap