Kennesaw man suspected in CDC shooting reportedly fixated on COVID vaccine

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 13th

Publish Date:  August 13th

  

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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. 

 

Today is Wednesday, August 13th and Happy Birthday to Mark Lemke

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal

1. Kennesaw man suspected in CDC shooting reportedly fixated on COVID vaccine
2. Cyclists celebrate Cobb Silver Comet extension
3. Cobb Young Professionals names Next Generation Award winners

 

All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! 

 

BREAK: INGLES 1

STORY 1:  Kennesaw man suspected in CDC shooting reportedly fixated on COVID vaccine

Mourners gathered outside the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters Monday, leaving flowers, balloons, and handwritten notes at a makeshift memorial for Officer David Rose, who was killed in Friday’s shooting.

A large cardboard sign with Rose’s photo was covered in messages—“Thank you for your service,” “You’re a hero.” DeKalb officers R.E. Ramsey and J. Nelson, who worked with Rose, stopped by to pay their respects. “He was just a great person,” Nelson said quietly.

The shooting unfolded Friday afternoon when Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, opened fire near the CDC campus. White, reportedly distraught over his dog’s death and blaming the COVID vaccine for his depression, tried to enter the CDC but was stopped by security. He then drove to a nearby CVS and began shooting.

Officer Rose, a Marine veteran and father of two with another child on the way, responded to the call. He was critically injured and later died at Grady Memorial Hospital.

The CDC, Emory University, and local law enforcement have increased security measures in the wake of the attack. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe for Rose’s family has raised over $235,000.

The investigation continues, with the GBI calling the scene “complex” and evidence collection ongoing.

 

STORY 2: Cyclists celebrate Cobb Silver Comet extension

 The Silver Comet Trail was alive with energy Saturday as hundreds of cyclists hit the pavement to celebrate the long-awaited trail extension and raise awareness for multiple sclerosis.

The new 2.1-mile Silver Comet Connector, funded by the PATH Foundation, links Cobb County to Atlanta, weaving through East-West Connector, Plant Atkinson Road, and along Atlanta Road to the Chattahoochee River. It’s a big step toward a dream: a continuous path connecting Atlanta to Alabama.

Riders gathered at the Floyd Road Trailhead, led by Mableton Councilwoman Patricia Auch, while Team Noodle—a group raising funds for MS research—started their 17.5-mile trek from Atlanta.

Volunteers greeted riders with water, bananas, and goodie bags at the finish, while Cobb County leaders celebrated the milestone. “It’s the future,” Auch said. “When it’s fully connected, it’s going to be incredible.”

For Roberta Cook, who’s spent 20 years advocating for this extension, the day was emotional. “I’m just so glad I lived to see it,” she said.

Cyclist Cecelia Saxon summed it up: “The camaraderie, the exercise, the trees—it’s all just beauti