The gunman who opened fire at the Atlanta headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fired nearly 500 rounds during the incident last Friday. State investigators revealed that Patrick Joseph White, 30, broke into his father's gun safe to obtain five firearms used in the shooting.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), most of the shell casings recovered from the scene were from a long gun, one of the weapons taken from his father. White died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the shooting, which also resulted in the death of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose. No CDC employees were injured during the attack.

The shooting began shortly before 5 p.m. at a CVS pharmacy located directly across from the CDC's main entrance. Officer Rose responded to the gunfire and was fatally shot by White. Of the nearly 500 rounds fired, approximately 200 struck six buildings on the CDC campus, which is situated near Emory University in Atlanta.

All five firearms used in the attack, which included a mix of rifles, a shotgun, and a handgun, belonged to White's father. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed this information, and White's family is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

GBI Director Chris Hosey stated that White had no known criminal history but had recently expressed suicidal thoughts. Law enforcement was contacted weeks before the shooting, although it remains unclear who made the call. A law enforcement source indicated that White took his own life after attempting to escape the CVS, but the door was locked, preventing his exit.

In response to the shooting, the CDC held an all-agency meeting to address staff concerns. This meeting had been scheduled prior to the incident but was adjusted to address the recent violence. CDC leaders acknowledged the fear and anxiety experienced by staff members, whether they were present during the shooting or not.

CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry expressed her frustration over the attack, stating, "Science and public health should never be under attack." In a video message to staff, CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez emphasized the agency's commitment to employee safety and well-being, stating, "Acts of violence will never weaken our resolve."

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities continue to gather information regarding the events leading up to the attack.