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.
Crime
Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin Fatally Stabs Mother Zoya Shablykin and Three Others at Key Peninsula Home
Five people, including the suspect, are dead following a violent stabbing incident and subsequent deputy-involved shooting Tuesday morning in the 14000 block of 87th Avenue Court Northwest near Gig Harbor, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin.
Investigators say the incident began as a reported protection order violation and escalated into a deadly stabbing attack in a residential cul-de-sac.
Dispatchers received the first 911 call at approximately 8:41 a.m. reporting an “order violation in progress.” According to the sheriff’s office, an adult male had gone to a residence despite a no-contact protection order involving a female occupant of the home.
Deputies later clarified that although a protection order had been granted, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect and therefore was not legally enforceable at the time.
Deputies were en route to serve the order when the situation rapidly escalated.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., additional emergency calls reported that the man was actively stabbing individuals outside the home. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with at least one victim attacked in the middle of the street in front of multiple bystanders.
A deputy arrived on scene minutes later.
According to Officer Shelbie Boyd, spokesperson for the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT), gunfire was reported at 9:33 a.m.
“We have the adult male suspect who was shot by the deputy,” Boyd said during a press briefing.
Shablykin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the exchange of gunfire but confirmed that the investigation remains active.
Deputies located four adult victims at the scene.
Three were pronounced dead at the residence. A fourth victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to their injuries.
One of the victims was identified as 52-year-old Zoya Shablykin, the suspect’s mother.
Authorities stated that relationships between the suspect and the additional victims remain under investigation.
Witness accounts suggest that neighbors may have intervened in an attempt to stop the attack.
Court records linked to the residence show that in April 2025, Zoya Shablykin petitioned for a protection order against her adult son. The order was granted in May.
In her petition, she alleged ongoing threats, harassment, and erratic behavior, including prior physical aggression. The filing referenced concerns about his mental health and stated he had previously pushed and threatened her.
The protection order prohibited the son from possessing weapons and from coming within 1,000 feet of his mother, her home, vehicle, or workplace. The order also required him to comply with a treatment plan and prescribed medications.
Investigators confirmed that although the order had been approved by the court, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect at the time of the incident. Deputies were attempting to serve the documentation when the stabbing occurred.
Court records indicate Shablykin had multiple prior contacts with law enforcement dating back to 2020, primarily involving traffic-related offenses, including driving without a valid license and refusing to identify himself during traffic stops. Records reflect at least 14 separate cases. A 2023 trespassing charge was dismissed.
A family acquaintance told media outlets that other immediate family members were not present at the residence during the attack and were safe elsewhere at the time of the incident.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Pierce County Force Investigation Team are continuing to investigate both the stabbing deaths and the deputy-involved shooting. Authorities have not yet released the names of the additional victims pending notification of next of kin.
Officials described the event as a tragic escalation of a domestic situation that unfolded rapidly despite law enforcement response efforts.
Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.