Background and Incident

Kennesaw, GA — Mellow Mushroom’s Kennesaw location has deleted a now-controversial 2018 social media post that featured Patrick Joseph White, who was recently identified as the gunman in a shooting near the CDC headquarters in Atlanta. The post had described White as a “valued member of the staff,” a description that’s now shocking in light of Friday’s deadly events.

According to reports, the shooting unfolded around 4:50 p.m. on August 8 near the Emory University campus, targeting multiple CDC buildings. Officer David Rose, 33, a DeKalb County police officer responding to the scene, was fatally shot. White was found dead on the second floor of a nearby CVS—it’s still unclear whether his death was self-inflicted or the result of police action.

Who Was Patrick Joseph White?

Neighbors described White as increasingly disturbed in recent months. He was vocal about anti-vaccine beliefs and blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for his health issues. His father had expressed concern over his son’s mental state, citing paranoia that the vaccine had caused harm.

Investigators also noted that White arrived at the scene heavily armed, wearing protective gear and firing multiple rounds into CDC buildings.

Community Reactions and Implications

The sudden deletion of the 2018 Mellow Mushroom Kennesaw post revealing White’s past affiliation has drawn attention to how public figures and institutions can inadvertently spotlight individuals who later commit horrific acts.

Officer Rose is being remembered as a devoted father and veteran whom many in the community—including Atlanta officials—praised for his courage and service.

Meanwhile, the CDC campus remains under scrutiny, with investigations underway regarding how security protocols may be strengthened to prevent future attacks.

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