DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, a 33-year-old father and former Marine, was killed on August 8 while responding to an active shooter incident near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters and Emory University campus in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rose died at Emory University Hospital, where his mother had worked as an intensive care unit nurse for nearly two decades. The officer was critically injured while confronting the suspected gunman, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia.
According to DeKalb County officials, Rose leaves behind a wife who is expecting their third child, along with two young children. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said, “This evening there’s a wife without a husband, three children — one unborn — without a father.”
The shooting incident began when White attempted to enter the CDC campus but was turned away by security. He then drove to a nearby CVS pharmacy on Clifton Road and opened fire toward the CDC headquarters from the building. At least four CDC buildings were struck by gunfire, according to CDC Director Susan Monarez.
White was found dead on the second floor of the CVS pharmacy. Investigators have not determined whether he was killed by police gunfire or died by suicide. Reports indicate White blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal, and he was armed with five guns and a long gun.
Rose worked with the DeKalb County Police Department for eleven months, joining the police academy in September 2024 and graduating in March 2025. He worked at the North Central Precinct in Tucker and had quickly earned respect from colleagues for his dedication, courage, and professionalism.
Before joining law enforcement, Rose served four years with the United States Marine Corps, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He also worked as a jailer in Gwinnett County before transitioning to the DeKalb police force.
During his police academy graduation ceremony in March, Rose served as class leader and delivered a speech to his fellow graduates. In his remarks, he emphasized their shared commitment to service and the responsibility that comes with wearing the badge.
A 17-year-old witness at Emory University Hospital, Hayes Parsa, observed the emergency response efforts after Rose was brought in. Parsa reported seeing medical staff performing chest compressions on the officer before rushing him into surgery.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences on social media, stating that Rose’s service and memory would not be forgotten by a grateful state. The Governor indicated that Rose’s loved ones and fellow officers would remain in prayers during their time of grief.
Rose’s mother, Deveane Atkinson, told reporters her son would not have hesitated to respond to the call again if given the chance. She emphasized that he was the type of person who would repeatedly choose to run toward danger to help others.
The DeKalb County Police Department has established a public memorial for Rose at their headquarters located at 1960 W. Exchange Place in Tucker. The memorial includes a patrol vehicle and a sign for community members to express their condolences.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support Rose’s family during this difficult time. The fundraiser, organized by Mrs. Rose, has raised more than $185,000 as of Monday afternoon, with a goal of $210,000. The donations will go to the family to help ease financial burdens and allow them to focus on healing and honoring Rose’s legacy.
Rose’s wife described him as her rock, best friend, and the love of her life. She indicated he was deeply committed to his family and to serving others, characterizing him as fearless, loyal, and an amazing husband and father. While devastated by the loss, she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from DeKalb County and across the nation.
Interim DeKalb County Police Chief Greg Padrick confirmed that Officer Rose responded to the incident like he was trained to do and encountered gunfire during the incident that cost him his life. Funeral arrangements for Rose have not yet been announced.
