Suspected Shooter Identified Following Fatal Incident by Emory University
A tragic event unfolded near the campus of a prestigious university and close to a major public health institution in Atlanta, resulting in two fatalities. The unfortunate incident involved the loss of a police officer, while the alleged assailant was found dead in a nearby structure.
No additional injuries have been reported.
The alleged shooter has been identified as a 30-year-old man named Patrick Joseph White, who resided in Kennesaw, Georgia. His motivations behind this violent act remain unclear at the early stages of the investigation, as mentioned by the Mayor of Atlanta.
Details of the Incident
The fatal shooting commenced shortly before 5 p.m., directly opposite the main entrance to the public health institution campus. The incident, which occurred in close proximity to the university, triggered an extensive response from law enforcement agencies to one of the country's leading public health organizations. A minimum of four buildings affiliated with the health institute were struck, as stated by the organization's Director.
An official statement from the university alerted people of an "active shooter on campus. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. Avoid the area. Continue shelter in place. Police on scene." The lockdown was lifted slightly after 6:30 p.m.
As the shooting began, employees at a nearby eatery took cover and reported hearing a succession of gunshots. "It sounded like fireworks going off, one right after the other," described a top officer of a local restaurant. She witnessed people fleeing past her establishment, with two individuals stopping to warn them about the nearby shooter.
The suspect was located on the second floor of a building situated across the street from the public health institution campus, as stated by the Atlanta Police Chief. He added, "we do not know at this time whether that was from officers or if it was self-inflicted." The shooter was reportedly equipped with a long gun, and three other firearms were recovered from the scene.
Loss of an Officer
Officer David Rose was tragically killed in the incident, as confirmed by the local Police Department. "This evening, there is a wife without a husband. There are three children, one unborn, without a father," expressed the CEO of the county.
Interim Chief of the local Police Department mentioned that Rose was "committed to serving the community." The FBI Director referred to Rose as a hero who "made the ultimate sacrifice." He urged for prayers for "the family, friends, and colleagues of this hero who acted quickly to defend others and made the ultimate sacrifice."
No employees or visitors of the public health institute were harmed in the incident, as confirmed by the Director. She expressed gratitude towards law enforcement personnel and offered condolences to the family and friends of Officer Rose.
The presidents of the university commended law enforcement officials for their quick and efficient response to the threat, ensuring the safety of their community. They praised their bravery and selflessness in prioritizing the community's safety.
Response from Local Authorities
The Governor lauded the courage and efforts of the first responders. He referred to two separate incidents involving "deranged criminals" targeting innocent individuals within the week, and highlighted how "brave first responders rushed toward the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives, reminding us of just how crucial they are."
Continuing Investigation
Law enforcement agencies are still working to understand the circumstances leading up to the shooting and anticipate the investigation will continue for a significant duration. The public health institution plans to implement a remote workday to conduct a security assessment before employees return to their offices. The Director referred to the shooting as an "attack on our campus," alluding to the office complex.
The university and the health institution are nestled among well-to-do, tree-filled neighborhoods in northeast Atlanta. All three institutions align along a single road. Despite the area being quite difficult to access and known for its heavy traffic, very few vehicles were visible as warning sirens echoed around.