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ROTC Intervention at Virginia Campus Raises New Questions About Domestic Security Threats

The Daily Desk — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:02:10 +0000

NORFOLK, Virginia (Journos News) – A fatal campus shooting at Old Dominion University has intensified scrutiny over domestic terrorism risk and security oversight after Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets intervened to stop a gunman who killed one person and wounded two others inside a classroom building.

Authorities say the attacker — a former member of the Virginia Army National Guard previously convicted of attempting to aid the Islamic State — opened fire Thursday before being subdued and killed by ROTC students on campus.

The incident, now under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a possible act of terrorism, underscores concerns about the lingering security risks posed by individuals with past extremist affiliations after their release from prison.

Campus Violence Forces Immediate Security Reckoning

According to authorities, the gunman entered a classroom in the university’s business school building and began shooting, shouting religious slogans during the attack.

Dominique Evans, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Norfolk field office, said during a news conference that ROTC students acted with what she described as “extreme bravery and courage” to confront the shooter and prevent further casualties.

“The students subdued him and rendered him no longer alive,” Evans said, declining to provide additional details about the circumstances of his death but confirming he was not shot.

University police said the suspect was confirmed dead within 10 minutes of the initial emergency call, highlighting the speed of the confrontation and response.

Security Concerns Grow Over Attacker’s Past

Investigators identified the attacker as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone who had previously served in the National Guard before becoming the subject of a federal terrorism case nearly a decade earlier.

Court records show Jalloh pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group. Federal authorities said at the time that he had attempted to purchase a rifle and discussed plans to conduct an attack similar to the 2009 shootings at Fort Hood.

During the earlier investigation, prosecutors said Jalloh attempted to donate money to the extremist organization and communicated with individuals he believed to be connected to the group.

He was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady and was released from custody in December 2024.

Campus and Military Community Shaken

The person killed in Thursday’s shooting was identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, an ROTC leader who had returned to Old Dominion University in 2022 after serving as an Army helicopter pilot in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe.

Two additional people were injured in the attack, including one ROTC member who was hospitalized in critical condition. Another victim was treated and later released, according to hospital officials.

The university canceled classes and suspended operations on its main campus through Friday as authorities continued investigating the incident.

Old Dominion University President Brian Hemphill said the institution was working closely with law enforcement and expressed condolences to those affected.

Domestic Extremism Monitoring Faces New Scrutiny

The attack is now raising questions about the monitoring of individuals previously convicted of terrorism-related offenses after they complete prison sentences.

According to a 2016 FBI affidavit, Jalloh had expressed admiration for the ideology of radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki and had discussed plans to target U.S. military personnel.

Authorities say the case illustrates the complexity of managing long-term security risks tied to radicalization and extremist networks.

The Norfolk region, home to the massive Naval Station Norfolk — the world’s largest naval base — also has a significant military-affiliated population, a factor that may intensify federal scrutiny of the incident.

Forward-Looking Security Questions

Federal investigators continue to examine how the attacker obtained his weapon and whether any additional contacts or influences played a role in the incident.

For security officials, the episode highlights the challenge of balancing civil liberties with long-term threat monitoring in cases involving former terrorism suspects.

While ROTC students prevented further casualties through rapid intervention, authorities say the broader investigation will likely focus on the gaps that allowed a previously convicted extremist to carry out a deadly attack on a U.S. university campus.

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OpenAI Reviewed Account of Canadian School Shooting Suspect Months Before Attack

The Daily Desk — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 02:42:20 +0000

TORONTO (Journos News) – OpenAI has confirmed it reviewed the account of a Canadian user months before he carried out one of the country’s deadliest recent school shootings, but determined at the time that the activity did not warrant a referral to law enforcement.

The disclosure has renewed scrutiny of how technology companies assess potential threats on their platforms and when they escalate concerns to authorities. It also underscores the limits of current detection systems in distinguishing between troubling content and credible, imminent plans for violence.

OpenAI said it identified the account of Jesse Van Rootselaar in June 2025 through its internal abuse detection systems for what it described as the “furtherance of violent activities.” After reviewing the material, the company banned the account for violating its usage policies but concluded that it did not meet the threshold for notifying police.

The case has since become part of a broader debate over the responsibilities of artificial intelligence platforms in preventing real-world harm.

OpenAI’s review process and referral threshold

According to the company, the standard for referring a user to law enforcement is whether there is an imminent and credible risk of serious physical harm to others. In this instance, OpenAI said it did not identify evidence of specific or immediate planning that would justify contacting authorities.

The account was banned in June 2025.

After learning of last week’s shooting in British Columbia, OpenAI said its staff proactively contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to share information about the individual’s use of ChatGPT and to support the investigation.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy,” an OpenAI spokesperson said, adding that the company would continue to cooperate with investigators.

The revelation was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Police investigation under way

Staff Sgt. Kris Clark of the RCMP confirmed in an emailed statement that OpenAI reached out to law enforcement after the attack. He said investigators are conducting a “thorough review” of digital evidence, including electronic devices, social media activity and other online records associated with the suspect.

Clark said digital and physical evidence is being collected and methodically processed as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Authorities say the 18-year-old first killed his mother and stepbrother at the family home before going to a nearby school in Tumbler Ridge, a remote town of about 2,700 people in northeastern British Columbia. Police said the victims included a 39-year-old teaching assistant and five students aged 12 and 13. The suspect later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators have not publicly identified a motive. Police said the suspect had previous contacts with authorities related to mental health concerns.

A remote community in shock

Tumbler Ridge lies more than 1,000 kilometers northeast of Vancouver, near the Alberta border, in a mountainous region of the Canadian Rockies. The small community is tightly knit, and the attack has reverberated across the province and the country.

The shooting is Canada’s deadliest mass killing since 2020, when a gunman in Nova Scotia killed 13 people and set fires that led to nine additional deaths.

While Canada has experienced fewer mass shootings than some other countries, high-profile attacks have prompted periodic national debate over firearms regulation, public safety and mental health services. The latest tragedy is likely to renew discussion about prevention measures, including the role of online platforms in identifying warning signs.

Technology platforms under scrutiny

The disclosure by OpenAI places fresh attention on how artificial intelligence companies monitor user activity for policy violations and potential threats. Major technology firms typically rely on automated systems combined with human review to detect content that may signal violence or criminal intent.

OpenAI has said it prohibits the use of its tools to promote or plan violent wrongdoing and that it employs internal review mechanisms to enforce those rules. The company’s statement indicates that, in this case, the content was deemed concerning enough to warrant a ban but not sufficient to demonstrate an imminent threat.

Experts note that assessing intent based on online interactions can be complex. Platforms must balance user privacy, legal standards and the risk of over-reporting, while also responding decisively when credible threats emerge.

For now, investigators in British Columbia are continuing to examine digital evidence as they seek to understand the circumstances leading up to the attack. OpenAI has said it will continue to assist authorities as required.

Source: AP News – ChatGPT-maker OpenAI considered alerting Canadian police about school shooting suspect months ago

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MIT Scientist Killing Intensifies Security Concerns Around U.S. Academic Research Communities

The Daily Desk — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:14:55 +0000

By International Affairs Desk

The killing of an MIT scientist has intensified security concerns around U.S. research institutions after authorities confirmed they are still searching for a suspect in the fatal shooting of Nuno F. G. Loureiro, a prominent fusion physicist who led one of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s largest laboratories.

Police say Loureiro, 47, was shot Monday evening inside his apartment in Brookline, Massachusetts, near Boston. He later died Tuesday at a hospital, according to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, which confirmed that the homicide investigation remains active.

As first reported by The Associated Press, authorities said no suspects had been taken into custody as of Wednesday afternoon while investigators continued pursuing leads in the case.

The killing has unfolded against the backdrop of another recent campus-related shooting in the region, heightening concerns among students and administrators about security risks facing academic communities.

Security Questions Intensify Across Elite Academic Corridors

The investigation comes just days after a separate shooting incident connected to Brown University in nearby Providence, Rhode Island, where two students were killed and nine others wounded in an attack that also remains unsolved.

Officials with the Federal Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday they have found no evidence linking the two incidents. However, the proximity and timing of the crimes have prompted renewed scrutiny of safety measures around major academic hubs across the northeastern United States.

Authorities have provided few details about the Brookline homicide beyond confirming that investigators are reviewing evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.

Community Vigil Reflects Shock in Brookline Neighborhood

Residents gathered Tuesday evening outside Loureiro’s apartment building in Brookline, holding candles in a quiet vigil to honor the scientist’s life and express support for his family.

Neighbors taped paper notices to apartment doors encouraging residents to place candles in their windows. Many attendees stood silently in the cold evening air, while others embraced or watched from nearby sidewalks as children from the neighborhood rode scooters past the gathering.

Witness accounts suggest the shooting occurred suddenly. A nearby student from Boston University, identified by The Boston Globe as Liv Schachner, said she heard three loud bangs Monday evening that she believed were gunshots.

“I had never heard anything so loud, so I assumed they were gunshots,” she told the newspaper, adding that the incident was difficult for residents to process.

Scientific Leadership Lost at a Critical Moment

Before his death, Loureiro had been leading the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center, a major research facility focused on advancing fusion energy and other cutting-edge technologies.

He joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2016 and was appointed last year to head the plasma science center, one of the university’s largest research laboratories employing more than 250 scientists and staff across multiple buildings.

Colleagues described him as a respected mentor and leader in the field of plasma physics.

Dennis Whyte, an engineering professor who previously directed the center, said Loureiro “shone a bright light as a mentor, friend, teacher, colleague and leader,” praising his collaborative approach to research and leadership.

The university’s president, Sally Kornbluth, called the killing a profound loss for the academic community.

International Scientific Community Responds

Loureiro’s death also reverberated internationally. The scientist was born in Viseu, Portugal, and completed early academic work in Lisbon before earning a doctorate in London and pursuing a research career in nuclear fusion.

In Lisbon, the office of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the president of Portugal, issued a statement describing the physicist’s death as “an irreparable loss for science and for all those with whom he worked and lived.”

Before becoming director of MIT’s plasma science laboratory, Loureiro had spoken publicly about the potential of fusion energy to reshape global energy systems.

“Fusion energy will change the course of human history,” he said in remarks published by the university when he took the leadership role last year.

Investigation Continues Amid Wider Safety Concerns

For now, investigators remain focused on identifying the person responsible for the shooting in Brookline.

Authorities have not publicly released details about a possible motive, leaving the circumstances of the attack unclear. As the search continues, the case has become another flashpoint in a series of violent incidents affecting academic communities across the region.

The unresolved killing of a leading scientist, combined with other recent campus-related violence, is likely to intensify discussions among universities and policymakers about how research institutions balance openness with security in an increasingly uncertain environment.

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Brown University Shooting Survivor Faces Second Campus Tragedy

The Daily Desk — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:36:11 +0000

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Journos News) – For Mia Tretta, the emergency alert that flashed across her phone during finals week at Brown University carried a grim familiarity. Nearly five years after she was shot in a classroom at Saugus High School in California, Tretta found herself sheltering in place again — this time as a college junior at Brown University.

By the end of the day, two people were dead and nine others injured in a shooting near the university’s engineering building in Providence. For Tretta, who was 15 when she was wounded in the 2019 attack that killed two classmates in Santa Clarita, the recurrence of campus violence felt both personal and emblematic of a wider pattern among her generation.

“No one should ever have to go through one shooting, let alone two,” Tretta said in a phone interview a day after the latest attack. “I never thought that this was something I’d have to go through again.”

A Generation Shaped by Lockdowns

Tretta’s experience reflects a broader reality confronting many American students who grew up practicing active-shooter drills and lockdown procedures. For some, those rehearsals have given way to repeated encounters with real violence.

In recent years, several survivors of the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida have reported experiencing subsequent shootings after enrolling in college. The recurrence underscores how mass violence, once perceived as isolated tragedies, can mark students’ lives across different stages of education.

At Brown, the alerts on Saturday instructed students to lock down and stay away from windows. Tretta said she initially tried to dismiss the possibility that another shooting was underway. As the warnings continued, the language became unmistakable.

She had chosen Brown in part because it felt like a place where she could rebuild a sense of normalcy. “I chose Brown because it felt like somewhere I could finally be safe,” she said. “And it’s happened again.”

Personal Histories Collide

Tretta is not alone among her peers in carrying earlier trauma. Zoe Weissman, another Brown student, wrote on social media that she attended middle school in Parkland, Florida, adjacent to the high school where 17 people were killed in 2018. She recalled hearing gunshots and seeing first responders as events unfolded.

For Ben Greenberg, a sophomore at Brown, violence entered his life in a different way. In 2022, while he was in high school in Kentucky, a gunman opened fire at his father’s campaign office. His father, Craig Greenberg — now the mayor of Louisville — survived what authorities described as an assassination attempt.

Greenberg said the experience left him perpetually anxious about his family’s safety. When he moved to Providence for college, he believed some of that tension would ease. On Saturday, he was at home across the street from the building where the shooting occurred.

Fearing the possibility that the gunman might seek refuge nearby, he and his roommates barricaded their stairwell with a mini refrigerator and a bookcase. They placed bottles behind the makeshift barrier so that any disturbance would create noise.

“The impact of gun violence goes far beyond the individuals who are wounded or killed,” Mayor Greenberg said, reflecting on both the attack in Kentucky and the shooting in Providence. “Those impacts are real. They’re traumatic wounds.”

Advocacy and Research Interrupted

After surviving the 2019 shooting at Saugus High School, Tretta became active in gun-control advocacy. She rose to a leadership position with Students Demand Action, a youth-led group focused on tightening firearm laws. Her work brought her to meetings at the White House during the Biden administration and to discussions with then–Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Tretta has focused in particular on so-called “ghost guns” — firearms assembled from parts that can be difficult to trace — similar to the weapon used in the attack at her high school. Federal regulators have in recent years sought to clarify rules governing such kits, amid debate over enforcement and constitutional limits.

At Brown, Tretta studies international and public affairs and education. In a coincidence she described as unsettling, she had been preparing a paper examining the educational paths of students who have survived school shootings. The assignment was due within days of the latest attack.

Saturday marked the first time she had received an active-shooter alert at Brown. The familiarity of the language — instructions to lock down, silence phones, avoid windows — brought back memories she had hoped would remain in the past.

Enduring Questions

The Providence shooting adds to a continuing national debate over gun policy and campus security. While details of the suspect and motive were still emerging, the immediate toll was clear: two lives lost, nine people injured, and a campus community grappling with shock.

For students like Tretta and Greenberg, the episode reinforces a sense that the boundaries between high school and college — and between one tragedy and another — can blur.

Tretta said she had believed college would offer distance from the violence that shaped her adolescence. Instead, she found herself reliving familiar fears during what should have been an ordinary weekend of studying for exams.

“It didn’t have to,” she said quietly.

Source: LA Times – A Saugus High shooting survivor, now at Brown University, endures campus tragedy again

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Kentucky State University Shooting Leaves One Dead, Another Critically Injured

The Daily Desk — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:00:42 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. (JN) – The Kentucky State University shooting on Tuesday afternoon left one student dead and another critically injured, sending police to a campus residence hall and forcing the university to suspend classes. Authorities say officers arrested a suspect who is not enrolled at the school, and they stress there is no ongoing threat.

The violence unfolded during the final week of the fall term at Kentucky State University, a public historically Black university in Frankfort. As investigators work to establish what led to the shooting, university leaders have shifted their focus to student safety and family support.

Police said the shooting happened around 3 p.m. at Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, a campus dormitory. Scott Tracy, assistant chief of the Frankfort Police Department, told reporters that officers arrived quickly, secured the building and detained a suspect.

“There are no active safety concerns on campus at this time,” Tracy said. He described the shooting as an isolated incident. However, authorities have not disclosed a motive.

Frankfort police identified the suspect as Jacob Lee Bard. They said he is not a student at the university. Officers booked Bard, who is from Evansville, on charges of murder and first-degree assault.

Court records available Tuesday night did not list an attorney for Bard. Jail records also did not name legal representation. In addition, the local public defender’s office and prosecutor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Campus Response and Student Support

University officials confirmed that one student died in the shooting. A second student remains in critical but stable condition. For now, the university has not released their names, citing privacy and the need to notify families.

In a statement, the university said it is in close contact with the families and is offering counseling and other support services. Administrators urged students to seek help if needed, especially as many were preparing for final exams.

University President Koffi C. Akakpo called the shooting a “senseless tragedy.” Speaking at the evening news conference, he said the loss has shaken the campus community.

“We’re mourning the loss of one of our students,” Akakpo said. “As a parent I cannot imagine receiving the call I placed today to the parents.”

Governor Andy Beshear also addressed the Kentucky State University shooting in a video message posted online. He said the incident appears to be isolated and confirmed there is no continuing threat. At the same time, he urged support for the families and students affected.

As a precaution, the university canceled classes, final exams and campus activities for the rest of the week. The fall term had been scheduled to end Friday. Students may return home if they choose, and officials said they will share further guidance soon.

Second Shooting Near Residence Hall in Four Months

Tuesday’s Kentucky State University shooting is the second incident involving gunfire near the same residence hall in four months. On Aug. 17, someone fired multiple shots from a vehicle close to Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, according to university officials at the time.

That earlier shooting injured two people who were not students. One person suffered minor injuries, while the other sustained serious injuries. Gunfire also damaged the dormitory and at least one vehicle.

Authorities have not said whether the two cases are connected. Nevertheless, the recurrence of violence near student housing is likely to draw renewed attention to campus security and coordination with local law enforcement.

A Historic Institution Confronts Loss

Kentucky State University enrolls about 2,200 students. Lawmakers authorized its creation in 1886, and it remains one of Kentucky’s public institutions of higher education. The campus sits roughly two miles east of the state Capitol building.

For many students, the timing of the shooting added to the shock. The incident occurred during what is usually a routine and focused period before exams. Instead, students saw police vehicles outside dormitories and crime scene tape around parts of campus.

Investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Meanwhile, university leaders say they will review safety procedures as needed. Although officials emphasize there is no active threat, the Kentucky State University shooting has left a lasting mark on a close-knit campus community.

Source: AP News – Shooting at Kentucky State University leaves 1 dead, 1 hurt and a suspect in custody, officials say

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Mississippi Homecoming Tragedy: 8 Killed in Separate Shootings Across the State

The Daily Desk — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 04:22:59 +0000

Mississippi Homecoming Shootings Leave Eight Dead, Dozens Injured

Published: October 12, 2025, 22:15 EDT

Two high school homecoming celebrations in Mississippi ended in deadly violence Friday night, leaving eight people dead and dozens injured in separate shootings across the state. Officials say investigations are underway as communities in Leland and Heidelberg grapple with grief and shock.

Deadly Night of Celebration Turns to Chaos

What began as a night of community celebration in Leland, Mississippi, quickly turned into tragedy when gunfire erupted after a high school football homecoming game. According to Washington County Coroner La’Quesha Watkins, six people were killed — four at the scene and two later at a hospital — following the shooting in the small Mississippi Delta town.

Authorities reported that roughly 20 others were injured, with at least four victims in critical condition airlifted from Greenville to a major hospital in Jackson, the state capital. The incident occurred in the town’s downtown area, where residents had gathered following the game.

State Senator Derrick Simmons described the aftermath as “very chaotic,” noting that emergency responders from across the region rushed to the scene. “It’s just senseless gun violence,” Simmons said. “What we’re witnessing is the proliferation of firearms circulating in our communities.”

Leland Community Shaken by Unthinkable Violence

On Saturday morning, yellow crime scene tape still surrounded parts of Leland’s small downtown district, near a mural honoring the late soul singer Tyrone Davis, a native of the area. Family members gathered near City Hall seeking answers as police kept media outside the building.

Witnesses recounted the chaos that followed the gunfire. Camish Hopkins, a local resident, told The Associated Press that she saw people “bleeding from everywhere” and several lying motionless on the ground. “It was the most horrific scene I’d ever seen,” she said.

Hopkins added that law enforcement shouted at bystanders to stay behind the tape as the scene unfolded. “No one was trying to really help,” she said. “Leland failed Leland yesterday, but I know we can do better because this isn’t who we are.”

No arrests had been made as of Saturday morning, and officials have not released any information about potential suspects or motives.

Separate Shooting Reported in Heidelberg

On the opposite side of the state, another shooting unfolded during homecoming weekend in Heidelberg, a small town in eastern Mississippi. Two people were killed Friday night on the campus of Heidelberg High School, where the community’s football team, the Oilers, had been hosting their homecoming game.

Heidelberg Police Chief Cornell White confirmed that both victims died on school grounds but did not say whether they were students. “Right now we’ve still got a subject at large,” White told reporters, declining to release further details while the investigation remains active.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office later stated that an 18-year-old man was being sought for questioning in connection with the case. The town of roughly 640 residents is located about 85 miles southeast of Jackson. The timing of the gunfire in relation to the game remains unclear, and authorities said updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Governor Calls for Justice and Community Healing

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves released a statement on social media expressing condolences to the victims and families affected by both shootings. “Our state is praying for the victims and their families, as well as the entire Heidelberg and Leland communities,” he wrote. “Those responsible will be brought to justice.”

The governor also confirmed that the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is assisting local and federal authorities in both cases. Law enforcement agencies have not indicated whether the two shootings are connected.

Third Shooting Under Investigation in the Delta

In a separate but possibly unrelated incident, authorities in Sharkey County, also located in the Mississippi Delta, confirmed another shooting following a high school football game Friday night.

Sheriff Herbert Ceaser Sr. said two individuals had been arrested in connection with the event, though details regarding victims or injuries were not immediately available. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” the sheriff’s office said in a public statement.

A State Grieves Amid Questions of Gun Violence

The series of shootings has left Mississippi communities reeling as investigators work to determine motives and circumstances. Residents have voiced frustration and fear over recurring violence at youth events meant to bring communities together.

For many, the tragedies have reignited concerns over gun access and public safety in small towns where community gatherings are central to local life. “These are the places where people should feel safest,” Senator Simmons said. “Instead, families are now planning funerals.”

Law enforcement agencies across Mississippi have increased patrols at upcoming school and sporting events as the investigations continue.

Source: AP News – Mississippi school homecoming celebrations turn deadly as 8 people are killed in separate shootings

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CDC Campus Shooting Suspect Had Prior Police Contacts Over Mental Health Concerns, Officials Say

The Daily Desk — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 08:08:41 +0000

CDC Shooting Suspect Had History of Suicidal Reports, Used Father’s Guns in Attack

Published Time: 08-13-2025, 15:45

Authorities have released new details about the man accused of carrying out a deadly shooting at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta last week. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, reportedly had prior police contacts over suicidal thoughts and used firearms taken from his father’s locked safe during the attack.

Incident Overview

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the shooting occurred on Friday, shortly before 5 p.m., and resulted in the death of DeKalb County Police Department Officer David Rose, 33. White allegedly fired approximately 200 rounds at six CDC buildings before taking his own life.

Officer Rose, a former U.S. Marine who served in Afghanistan, had joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024. He was fatally wounded while responding to the incident.

Investigators recovered five firearms from the scene, primarily long guns, and collected more than 500 shell casings.

Prior Police Contacts and Mental Health Concerns

GBI Director Chris Hosey confirmed that White had no prior criminal history but had recently expressed suicidal thoughts. Law enforcement officers had been contacted about his mental health several times in the past year.

“Evidence in this investigation indicates that the shooter had recently verbalized thoughts of suicide, which even led to law enforcement being contacted several weeks prior to the incident,” Hosey said at a Tuesday press briefing.

Local reports from Fox Atlanta indicate that police responded to at least three separate calls about White’s mental state in the past year. In a September 2024 incident, White told officers that his health had declined after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, contributing to his suicidal thoughts. He reportedly took a gun from his father’s locker during that episode, which he later described as “a cry for help.”

Following that event, White was transported to Kennestone Hospital but declined further mental health treatment in later encounters. Additional police contacts occurred in April and July 2025.

Access to Firearms

Officials stated that the firearms used in the attack were stored securely in a locked safe at White’s father’s home. Hosey said the suspect forcibly accessed the safe before the shooting.

“All indications in our investigation were that the weapons were secure and that he forced his way into the safe,” Hosey explained.

The recovered firearms included several long guns used to fire into CDC buildings.

Suspect’s Writings and Motivation

During a search of White’s residence, authorities found written material expressing his discontent with COVID-19 vaccinations. Hosey described the writings as personal documents aimed at raising “public awareness” of his views, without making direct threats.

“I would describe it as more of a public awareness. There was no direct threat… but it was his making the public aware, in his words, of his discontent with the vaccines,” Hosey said.

The materials are being reviewed by behavioral analysts and shared with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Sequence of Events

Authorities reported that before the shooting began, CDC security personnel stopped White near the facility. He then drove to a pharmacy across the street, where he opened fire from the sidewalk. The rounds struck blast-resistant windows on the CDC campus, forcing employees to shelter in place.

More than 500 shell casings were later recovered from the crime scene, according to the GBI.

Security Response and Federal Visit

In the aftermath of the attack, CDC officials are reviewing security measures and working closely with law enforcement to address potential threats.

On Monday, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the CDC campus with Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill and CDC Director Susan Monarez. The group also visited the DeKalb County Police Department and met privately with Officer Rose’s widow.

Kennedy recently announced changes to federal vaccination guidelines, stating that the CDC will no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children or pregnant individuals. He also said the government had canceled 22 mRNA vaccine development contracts, totaling about $500 million, citing data indicating limited protection against upper respiratory infections.

Community Impact

The shooting has drawn national attention to issues of mental health, firearm access, and security at federal facilities. Authorities emphasized that early intervention and secure firearm storage remain critical in preventing similar tragedies.

The investigation remains active, with the GBI, FBI, and local law enforcement continuing to examine the suspect’s actions, motivations, and prior contacts with police.

Source: FOX News – CDC shooter had police contacts over suicide, used father’s guns in attack: officials

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Police Officer and Suspected Gunman Killed in Shooting Near CDC Headquarters in Atlanta

The Daily Desk — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 06:24:07 +0000

Police Officer and Suspected Gunman Dead After Shooting Near CDC in Atlanta

A shooting near the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta on Friday left a police officer and the suspected gunman dead, triggering an intense law enforcement response and heightened security in the area. The incident also impacted nearby Emory University, though no other injuries were reported.

According to authorities, the attack damaged several CDC buildings and prompted temporary lockdowns in the surrounding community. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.

Incident Overview

The shooting began outside the CDC’s Roybal Campus, a major hub for public health research and disease control in the United States. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that the suspected gunman fired multiple rounds, striking windows in at least four buildings on the campus.

CDC Director Susan Monarez confirmed the damage in a post on X (formerly Twitter) and noted that thousands of employees work on-site. Photos shared by staff showed multiple bullet holes in office windows.

The gunman, armed with a long gun, was later located in a building across the street from the CDC complex. Authorities also recovered three additional firearms from the scene. Schierbaum said it is unclear whether the suspect died from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.

Victim Identified as Officer David Rose

The DeKalb County Police Department identified the slain officer as David Rose, a former U.S. Marine who graduated from the DeKalb Police Academy earlier this year.

“This evening, there is a wife without a husband. There are three children, one unborn, without a father,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson in an emotional statement.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised Officer Rose’s service and sacrifice, noting that his commitment to public safety reflected the highest standards of law enforcement.

Eyewitness Accounts

Several witnesses described hearing rapid gunfire during the incident. Brandy Giraldo, chief operating officer of The General Muir restaurant, recalled the moment the shooting began.

“It sounded like fireworks going off, one right after the other,” Giraldo said. “Then people started running past the restaurant. Two stopped to warn us that there was a shooter nearby.”

Another local resident, Anurag Mehta, described the fear he felt when trying to reach his young son’s preschool. “I was thinking that when I left for work this morning, was that the last time I saw my son?” Mehta said. He later learned that his son was safe.

CDC Response and Security Measures

In an email to employees, Director Monarez expressed gratitude to the law enforcement agencies involved and offered condolences to Officer Rose’s family. She announced that Monday would be designated as a remote workday to allow for a comprehensive security review of the CDC campus.

Monarez described the incident as “an attack on our Roybal Campus” and emphasized the need for continued vigilance.

The CDC campus, Emory University, and surrounding neighborhoods are typically busy areas along Clifton Road, known for heavy traffic. On Friday, however, the streets were largely empty as warning sirens echoed through the area.

Governor Kemp and Officials Respond

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp commended first responders for their swift action, noting that the incident marked the second time in a week that violence had struck the state.

“Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians,” Kemp said, referencing both the CDC shooting and an earlier incident at Fort Stewart. “Each time, brave first responders rushed toward danger to save lives, reminding us how crucial they are.”

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspected gunman, and investigators are working to determine a possible motive. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is assisting local law enforcement in gathering evidence, including ballistics analysis and security camera footage.

Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Atlanta Police Department or GBI tip line.

Public Safety Reminder

Officials stressed the importance of remaining aware of surroundings during emergencies and following shelter-in-place orders. The shooting has reignited discussions about security at critical federal facilities and the safety of officers who respond to high-risk situations.

Source: AP News – Suspected gunman and police officer dead in shooting near the CDC and Emory University, police say

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Police Officer Killed in Targeted Shooting at CDC Headquarters in Atlanta

The Daily Desk — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 00:52:08 +0000

Police Officer Killed After Shooter Targets CDC Headquarters in Atlanta, Sources Say

Published Time: 08-09-2025, 17:30 (U.S. Eastern Time)

An active shooter incident unfolded at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) campus in Atlanta, resulting in the tragic death of a police officer. Authorities confirm the shooting was targeted at the CDC, leading to a campus-wide lockdown and an ongoing investigation.

Summary

A shooting at the CDC’s Atlanta campus has left one police officer dead and raised serious security concerns at a major federal health agency. Witnesses report that the gunman deliberately aimed at the CDC’s Building 21, prompting a rapid law enforcement response. The suspect is also deceased, with officials still determining the motive and details of the attack. The incident has impacted employees, families, and local residents, underscoring fears amid budget cuts and staff reductions at the CDC.

CDC Employee Witnesses Shooter Targeting Building 21

According to a CDC employee who spoke with CNN, the shooting began as the suspect approached the steps of Building 21, placed a backpack down, and pulled out what appeared to be rifles. The witness initially mistook the backpack’s contents for fishing gear but quickly realized the man was firing multiple rounds at the building. The employee heard six to seven gunshots and called 911 immediately.

After alerting authorities, the employee called his wife to confirm the safety of their children, who had been attending a day care located on the CDC campus and were evacuated minutes before the shooting began. Other CDC staff members were placed on lockdown, sheltering in place as law enforcement secured the area.

Police Officer Fatally Shot Responding to Incident

The Atlanta Police Department confirmed that one of their officers was shot during the response to the active shooter event near Emory University, adjacent to the CDC campus. Tragically, the officer later died from the injuries sustained.

Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that it remains unclear why the officer was on-site at the time of the shooting. “We don’t know if he was on patrol, going to work, or coming home,” Schierbaum said. Authorities also noted they cannot confirm whether the officer was actively responding to the shooter when he was shot.

CDC Campus and Emory University on Lockdown

Following the shooting, the CDC Atlanta campus, located next to Emory University, was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. A CDC source confirmed the lockdown was maintained for several hours to ensure staff and students’ safety.

Atlanta Police later announced the suspect was deceased, and the lockdown on the Emory University campus was lifted. The area remains under increased security as investigators gather evidence.

Shooter’s Background and Possible Motive

Law enforcement sources indicated that the shooter’s father had contacted authorities prior to the incident, expressing concern that his son was suicidal. Police are investigating this lead as part of their overall inquiry.

Further reports from officials suggest that the suspect may have believed he was ill and blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for his condition. Police continue to explore this theory while reviewing the suspect’s family statements and background.

Community and Leadership Respond to the Incident

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens addressed the situation in a press briefing, expressing sympathy for CDC employees and families affected by the shooting. The mayor acknowledged the difficult year the CDC has faced amid significant staff reductions and funding cuts, noting that the agency has lost nearly 25% of its workforce since January.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected,” Mayor Dickens said. “We stand with the CDC community and are committed to supporting them through this difficult time.”

Impact on Families and Local Residents

The shooting also deeply affected families with children at the CDC’s day care center. One mother recounted the harrowing experience of trying to reach her wife and toddler, who were caught in lockdown during the shooting. She described walking nearly a mile to get closer to the day care, only to be stopped by law enforcement.

Residents in the Emory Point community, located near the CDC campus, expressed shock and fear. An Emory University student described the area as “one of the safest places in Atlanta,” now shaken by the violent incident.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Shooting

Witnesses near the scene described the sound of rapid gunfire, resembling semiautomatic weapon fire. A local spa employee recounted hearing a series of shots followed by silence, then more gunfire, creating a tense and frightening atmosphere.

Photos Show Damage to CDC Building

Images shared by a CDC employee reveal bullet holes and shattered windows on Building 21, confirming the severity of the attack. The physical damage serves as a stark reminder of the real threat posed during the incident.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident thoroughly, including reviewing the suspect’s background, potential motives, and the sequence of events. The Atlanta Police Department and federal agencies are collaborating to ensure the CDC campus and surrounding areas remain secure.

Officials urge anyone affected by the shooting or experiencing distress to seek support from crisis resources, including the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Source: CNN – Police officer killed after shooter appeared to target CDC headquarters in Atlanta, sources say

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Families Blindsided as Idaho Murder Suspect Kohberger Nears Plea Deal

The Daily Desk — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:17:04 +0000

Furious Family Speaks Out as Bryan Kohberger Strikes Plea Deal in Idaho Murder Case

Just weeks before the long-awaited trial was set to begin, prosecutors are reportedly striking a plea deal with Bryan Kohberger—the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022. And for at least one of the victims’ families, it’s a devastating twist they never saw coming.

“After more than two years, this is how it concludes—without our input, without justice, and without the chance to be heard,” said the family of Kaylee Goncalves in a searing statement.

A Shocking Turn in a High-Profile Case

Kohberger, a 30-year-old former criminology PhD student at Washington State University, was arrested in late December 2022 and charged with the brutal stabbing deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in their off-campus Moscow, Idaho, home.

After nearly two years of motions, delays, and legal wrangling, jury selection for his murder trial was set to begin in August. Prosecutors had planned to pursue the death penalty.

Now, that plan is reportedly off the table.

According to CNN, Kohberger will plead guilty to four counts of murder in exchange for life in prison—no chance of parole, and no appeals. A court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday to formalize the agreement.

But the Goncalves family says they were blindsided by the news.

“We Are Beyond Furious”

The family says they learned of the deal not through a phone call or a meeting—but via an email with an attached letter from Moscow Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson.

In the letter, Thompson defends the decision, calling it a “sincere attempt to seek justice,” and assuring the family that Kohberger would “spend the rest of his life in prison.” But that did little to calm the outrage.

“We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us,” the family wrote in a post shared on social media.

Kaylee’s younger sister, 18-year-old Aubrie, said the abruptness of the plea deal after so much waiting felt like “a second trauma.”

“Had this proposal come a year and a half ago, we might have had time to process it,” she said. “But dropping it on us just weeks before trial? It’s both shocking and cruel.”

Life Sentence vs. Justice Denied

The Goncalves family isn’t asking for revenge, they say—but they feel life in prison falls short of true justice.

“Kohberger will still get to speak, to form relationships, to live. Our loved ones are gone forever,” Aubrie wrote.

The prospect of the death penalty had loomed large in this case. Kohberger’s defense team had fought to get it removed, arguing against the evidence and trying to block its use. For the Goncalves family, that fight now feels one-sided.

A Painful Journey Through Delays and Disappointment

From the very beginning, the families of the victims endured long periods of silence, delay, and uncertainty.

It took more than six weeks after the killings for police to arrest a suspect. Kohberger was eventually tracked down using DNA evidence—collected from a knife sheath left at the crime scene and garbage from his family home in Pennsylvania.

But his arrest only marked the beginning of a frustrating legal battle filled with slow-moving court proceedings.

In May 2023, Kohberger remained silent at his arraignment, forcing the judge to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf. Since then, his defense team has filed motion after motion—attempting to suppress DNA evidence, challenge search warrants, and even propose alternate suspects, a theory a judge recently shot down as pure speculation.

The trial was delayed several times and ultimately moved to Boise, far from the small college town of Moscow. Last year, the Goncalves family described the process as a “hamster wheel of motions, hearings, and delayed decisions.”

Now, It May All End with a Plea

While the plea deal may bring legal closure, it doesn’t bring peace for the families—especially for those like the Goncalves, who say they’ve been kept in the dark.

“Justice shouldn’t feel like a negotiation behind closed doors,” they said.

CNN has reached out to the families of the other victims—Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen—for comment on the proposed plea.

Whether the deal is accepted this week or not, one thing is clear: the long journey for justice in this devastating case hasn’t ended—it’s just changed course.

Source: CNN – A plea deal is set to end the yearslong case against Bryan Kohberger. The family of one of his alleged victims is furious

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