Exclusive: CDC attacker likely attempted to enter campus before shooting

"This is an understandably distressing development," a CDC leader wrote to staff.

Log In    Subscribe EXCLUSIVE   CDC attacker likely attempted to enter campus days before shooting By Daniel Payne Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images The man who attacked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention probably tried to enter the agency's Atlanta campus days before the shooting, investigators believe.   The shooter, identified by authorities as Patrick Joseph White, appears to have been captured in security camera footage trying to enter the visitor's center of the campus late in the afternoon on Aug. 6, according to an internal email to CDC staff, reviewed by STAT. The email said "the likelihood is very high" the person in the video is White. READ MORE Sign up for D.C. Diagnosis Washington never stops. Cut through the noise with our essential updates on health care politics and policy. Learn more. In Case You Missed It 1   CDC boosts security in new strategy By Daniel Payne 2   CDC staff voice fears about agency's security vulnerabilities in internal calls By Daniel Payne and Elizabeth Cooney 3   Former surgeon general: The CDC shooting must be a wakeup call By Jerome Adams 4   In internal call, CDC employees recount shooting, ask about RFK Jr.'s response By Daniel Payne and Helen Branswell Don't miss out on another STAT investigation Unlock the world of health and medicine with a subscription to STAT+ Learn more STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2025, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Newsletter Preferences • Contact Us • Advertise with Us