Staff members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention respond to gunfire incident on Friday
In an unfortunate turn of events, a gunman targeted the main campus of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta on Friday afternoon. The shooting led to terror and mayhem on campus, resulting in over 180 rounds being fired, more than 80 windows being shattered, and at least four buildings being hit.
The gunman, identified as Patrick White, was found dead at the scene, but it's not yet clear whether he was killed by police or if he shot himself. One potential reason for the shooting, according to police, is that the shooter believed that COVID vaccines had made him sick.
This incident has sparked a wave of condemnation, with public health officials and unions representing CDC workers calling for the condemnation of vaccine misinformation. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), has been partially blamed for the shooting due to his public criticism of COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic policies. Kennedy's views are seen as having helped motivate the attack, as the gunman reportedly believed that the COVID-19 vaccine caused his mental health problems.
In response to the incident, Kennedy visited the CDC headquarters soon after the shooting to express condolences and provide support. He toured the CDC campus, met with the police department, including the widow of the fallen officer David Rose, and reaffirmed the agency's commitment to honoring the officer’s bravery and sacrifice. Kennedy publicly stated his sorrow over the tragic event and emphasized support for CDC personnel and their families, as well as reinforcing security measures at the campus.
The shooting claimed the life of a responding officer from the DeKalb County police force. CDC staffers, who were on site during the incident, are being offered administrative leave and mental health resources. Those who were hiding during the shooting hid under desks, barricaded themselves in offices, and hid in closets.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the CDC campus is currently under cleanup and repairs, with staffers working from home this week. The incident has also highlighted the challenges faced by the CDC, including budget cuts and the elimination of entire research programs, including the one that works on gun violence prevention.
Dr. Ali Khan, a former CDC official, stated that the responsibility for the shooting also lies with those who have been spreading disinformation and misinformation against public health. Kennedy, despite numerous studies showing COVID vaccines to be safe and effective, has said that they are dangerous.
The shooting has taken a heavy toll on the CDC staff, with thousands of colleague losses due to reductions in force and early retirements. Kennedy visited the CDC on Monday and met with Susan Monarez, the new director, as well as security and police, reiterating his commitment to the agency and its personnel. Kennedy also sent an email to CDC staff over the weekend following the shooting, expressing his condolences and support.
- Science and health-and-wellness concerns relate to the shooting incident at the CDC headquarters, as the gunman believed that COVID vaccines, a topic under the purview of science, had caused his mental-health issues.
- The politics of vaccine criticism, personified by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have come under scrutiny, with Kennedy being partially blamed for the shooting due to his stance on COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic policies.
- General-news outlets are covering the aftermath of the shooting, including the cleanup and repairs at the CDC campus, the administrative leave offered to staffers, and the mental health resources made available to them.
- Crime-and-justice officials are investigating the shooting, which resulted in the death of a responding officer from the DeKalb County police force. Additionally, the shooting has brought light to the challenges faced by the CDC, including budget cuts and the elimination of entire research programs, such as the one that focuses on gun violence prevention.
