KENNESAW, Georgia / ATLANTA, Georgia — The Kennesaw location of Mellow Mushroom has removed a 2018 social media post praising Patrick Joseph White — the 30-year-old man identified by authorities as the gunman in Friday’s deadly shooting near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta.
The decision to take down the post came after media reports confirmed it contained one of the earliest publicly available photographs of White following the violent attack, which claimed the life of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose and left another officer wounded.
The now-deleted Facebook post, shared by the Kennesaw franchise of the pizza chain, introduced White as a “cool, calm, and collected” employee who brought “a relaxing energy” to the restaurant. The tribute described him as an uplifting presence and reliable coworker, with fellow server Kim Lopez calling him “the comedic relief” who could brighten anyone’s day.
“Patrick is amazing to work with because he’s basically the comedic relief. Whenever you’re having a bad day he’s always there to cheer you up with his witty personality,” Lopez was quoted as saying.
The post also promoted the store’s Sunday drink specials, ending with the line: “We love you Patrick!!!”
When contacted, Mellow Mushroom’s corporate office did not respond to requests for comment. A current employee at the Kennesaw location said they could not comment and claimed not to know anyone by that name.
Timeline of the Shooting
Authorities say the incident began on Friday, August 8, around 4:50 p.m., when White attempted to enter the CDC’s Roybal Campus but was denied entry by security officers. He then opened fire toward multiple CDC buildings before crossing the street into the Emory Point shopping area and entering a CVS pharmacy.
Officer Rose, 33, was among the first to arrive at the scene. According to officials, he was met with immediate gunfire and suffered fatal injuries. A second responding officer was also shot but is expected to recover.
A gunfight broke out inside the CVS, culminating on the store’s second floor. White was killed during the exchange, though investigators have not confirmed whether his death was from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.
Officer Rose Remembered
Officer Rose had joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024. He is survived by his wife, two children, and a third child on the way.
“This officer responded to the call as he was trained to do. He was committed to serving the community,” Interim Chief Greg Padrick said during a press briefing.
Suspect’s Background and Behavior
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed White was a resident of Kennesaw, a suburban city northwest of Atlanta. While officials have not determined a motive, multiple outlets, including CNN, reported that his family told investigators he had grown increasingly distressed in recent months.
Relatives claimed White believed the COVID-19 vaccine had made him ill and that he was still grieving the death of his dog. Neighbors described him as generally friendly and helpful but said he had become more withdrawn and visibly thinner. Several recalled his outspoken stance against vaccines, noting that he occasionally knocked on doors to discuss his views.
A LinkedIn profile matching White listed attendance at Kennesaw State University and past employment at Mellow Mushroom.
Massive Law Enforcement Response
The incident prompted a large-scale response from local, state, and federal agencies, including the Atlanta Police Department, DeKalb County Police Department, Emory Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, FBI, GBI, ATF, and nearby municipal departments.
The CDC campus and parts of Emory University were placed on lockdown. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens confirmed that several CDC windows were damaged by gunfire.
The GBI said the crime scene remains complex and that processing evidence and conducting interviews will take time. CDC employees have been instructed to work remotely until a full security review is completed.
No civilians were injured during the shooting.