Crime
Mellow Mushroom Kennesaw Deletes 2018 Social Media Post Featuring CDC Shooting Suspect Patrick Joseph White
KENNESAW, Ga. / ATLANTA, Ga. — Mellow Mushroom’s Kennesaw location has removed a 2018 social media post that featured Patrick Joseph White, the 30-year-old identified by authorities as the gunman in Friday’s fatal shooting near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta.
The removal comes after reporting confirmed the post contained one of the first publicly available photographs of White following the attack, which left a DeKalb County police officer dead and another officer wounded.
The since-deleted 2018 post, made by the Kennesaw franchise of the pizza restaurant chain, introduced White as a valued member of the staff.
The post reads, Meet Patrick. Patrick is a cool, calm, and collected person who has been working at our location for a year now and he brings a relaxing energy to our work environment. He makes everybody feel comfortable so everything can run smooth and efficiently. Most importantly, Patrick’s impact can be measured by how uplifting his spirit is. Fellow-server Kim Lopez says “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. He’s great with the customers and knows how to start an interesting conversation. He’s also a reliable coworker and friend, if you need anything just ask and he will be right there to help you.” We are so amazed by the wonderful influence Patrick has had on our store; he is truly one of a kind and he could never be replaced. We love you Patrick!!! A great experience with our Shroom Crew is waiting for you today. Since it’s Sunday we’re offering our eligible guests $5 House Bloody Marys and our Sweetwater Sunday Specials! Make your way over right now!
Mellow Mushroom’s corporate office did not return calls for comment.
A current employee at the Kennesaw location said they could not provide a statement and claimed not to know anyone by that name.
Authorities say the shooting unfolded 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.
He then opened fire toward multiple CDC buildings before moving across the street to the Emory Point shopping area, where he entered a CVS pharmacy.
DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, 33, was among the first to respond. Officials say Rose came under immediate fire, suffering fatal wounds.
A second officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
A gunfight between White and officers occurred inside the CVS on the second floor, ending with the suspect dead.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether White died from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.
Officer Rose, who joined the department in September 2024, 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.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified White as a resident of Kennesaw, an Atlanta suburb.
While law enforcement has not formally announced a motive, CNN and other outlets report that White’s family told investigators he had become increasingly distressed in recent months, blaming the COVID-19 vaccine for making him ill and grieving the loss of his dog.
Neighbors described White as helpful and friendly, often assisting with yard work, walking neighborhood dogs, and taking down holiday decorations.
Several recalled that he was outspoken against vaccines, at times knocking on doors to discuss the issue.
One neighbor noted a visible change in White’s appearance recently, saying he appeared thinner and more withdrawn.
A LinkedIn profile matching White lists his attendance at Kennesaw State University and previous employment at Mellow Mushroom.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including Atlanta Police, DeKalb County Police, Emory Police, Georgia State Patrol, FBI, GBI, ATF, and several surrounding municipal departments.
The CDC campus and Emory University buildings were placed on lockdown during the incident. No civilians were injured.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens confirmed that several CDC windows were damaged by gunfire.
The GBI says evidence processing and interviews will take time due to the complexity of the scene.
CDC staff have been instructed to work remotely until a full security assessment is completed.
SPENCER, OKLAHOMA — Authorities have confirmed that a 17-year-old student was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon following a violent altercation near Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma.
According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after an altercation broke out among a group of juveniles near the intersection of Northeast 34th Street and Spencer Road.
During the confrontation, one of the individuals reportedly produced a firearm and opened fire, striking a male teenager.
Emergency personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was later identified by Oklahoma City Public Schools officials as 17-year-old Sebastian Guyton, a student at Star Spencer High School.
Following the shooting, law enforcement initiated a search of the area. One suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, though authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the individual’s identity or potential charges.
As a precaution, several nearby schools were placed on temporary lockdown while officers secured the area.
Classes at Star Spencer High School have been canceled for the remainder of the week in light of the tragedy.
In a statement released Wednesday, Star Spencer High School officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their student:
“Please help keep our Bobcat family and friends in your thoughts during this very difficult time,” the statement read.
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.