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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.