Fund will support family of officer killed during attack on CDC
- Classic City News
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The community now has a way to support the family of Police Officer David Rose who died responding to an Aug. 8 attack on the CDC.
On Sunday, the county announced a GoFundMe campaign has been created to support his family. To view the GoFundMe campaign, click here.
Rose died after being shot and critically injured. The shooting suspect has been identified as Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw. While investigators have not publicly disclosed his motive, the CDC building itself was fired upon and bullet holes could be seen in the windows.
The Associated Press reported that the suspect blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal. He had five guns and a long gun. The AP reported he tried to get into the CDC but was turned away. He drove to a nearby CVS pharmacy and started shooting. Officers found the shooter dead on the second floor of the building. It’s not clear how the suspect died.
The exact circumstances surrounding Rose’s death are not known but CDC employees told Decaturish they believe he saved lives that day.
Rose started with DeKalb County Police in September 2024. He graduated from the police academy in March and worked at the North Central Precinct in Tucker.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Rose, who lived in DeKalb County, had close ties to the Emory community. His mother worked at Emory University Hospital, the same hospital where he died after being critically wounded on Friday.
He was the class leader during his time at the police academy and spoke at the graduation. During his speech, he said the graduates all had one thing in common.
“We wanted to serve,” he said during his graduation speech. “We want it to be part of something greater than ourselves. We wanted to wear the badge, not for the sake of a title, but for the responsibility that comes with it. … From the very first day, we learned this job isn’t just about enforcing the law, it’s about protecting the vulnerable, standing for justice, and being the person who runs towards danger when others run away.”
His funeral plans have not been announced.
His wife said, “David was my rock, my best friend, and the love of my life.”
“He was deeply committed to his family and to serving others,” she said. “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.”
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson previously called Rose’s death “a very dark day in DeKalb County.”
“Officer Rose served with honor, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of our community,” she said in the news release announcing the Go Fund me account. “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.”
