The corner of Clifton Rd. and CDC Pkwy. is usually busy with passing traffic, but on Monday afternoon, there were more people present than cars whizzing by. Supporters of the work being done at the Centers for Disease Control, which is located in Atlanta, were positioned on the opposite corner of the massive headquarters and holding signs that read “Save the CDC”, “CDC Saves Lives. Save the CDC,” and “Keep Us Safe.”
The supporters were facing the headquarters and a makeshift memorial for slain DeKalb County police officer David Rose, who was killed during an attempt to enter the CDC and do more damage. The gunman, Patrick Joseph White, was killed by law enforcement not long after he shot and killed Rose.
Many CDC workers, including a woman who walked over to sign Rose’s memorial card and pay her respect, are working from home today. The scene outside the building is quiet, unlike what took place on August 9, when White attempted to get into the building. White was open to the radar of local law enforcement, but somehow was able to bring a firearm to the CDC and commit murder.
Cobb County police had been dispatched to his family’s home a couple of times this year, but no arrests were made. His family was concerned about his mental health. White’s family told law enforcement that he was angry at the CDC for what he believed was poor control of the COVID-19 disease and the subsequent pandemic.
More people left flowers at Rose’s memorial, including a dozen roses. Funeral arrangements for White, 30, have not been announced yet.