A union representing employees of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a strong demand for the federal government to publicly condemn vaccine misinformation. This call to action follows a tragic incident on Friday, where a man, reportedly blaming the Covid-19 vaccination for his mental health struggles, opened fire at the CDC's headquarters in Atlanta. The shooting resulted in the death of a police officer and the shooter himself.
The shooting suspect, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, was armed with five guns, including at least one long firearm, during the attack. He had previously attempted to enter the CDC headquarters but was stopped by security guards. Subsequently, he drove to a nearby pharmacy and opened fire, targeting at least four CDC buildings. According to agency director Susan Monarez, this act of violence has raised serious concerns among CDC employees.
DeKalb County police officer David Rose, aged 33 and a former U.S. Marine, was fatally injured while responding to the scene. He had only graduated from the police academy a few months prior. The circumstances of White's death remain unclear; Atlanta police chief Darin Schierbaum indicated that it is uncertain whether he died from police gunfire or self-inflicted wounds.
The American Federation of Government Employees, Local 2883, representing CDC workers, stated that the violence experienced was not an isolated event but rather a culmination of months of mistreatment and vilification of CDC staff. They emphasized that vaccine misinformation has not only endangered scientists but has also contributed to a hostile environment for public health officials.
The union has urged the CDC and the leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to take a definitive stance against vaccine disinformation. This public condemnation is seen as vital to restoring public trust and ensuring that accurate, science-based information prevails in the ongoing battle against misinformation.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the union reported that employees were left shaken, with some huddled in various buildings until late at night. More than 90 children were also placed under lockdown in the CDC's Clifton school during the incident. The union expressed that staff should not be required to return to work immediately following such a traumatic event. They called for thorough repairs to the damaged buildings and security measures to be put in place before employees return.
“Forcing a return under these conditions risks re-traumatizing staff,” the union stated, highlighting the need for perimeter security on all campuses until the investigation is fully completed.
According to law enforcement officials, White had recently been struggling with personal issues, including the death of his dog, and had developed a fixation on the Covid-19 vaccine. His father contacted the police to identify him as the possible shooter. Neighbors described White as someone who had expressed distrust towards the Covid-19 vaccines but were shocked to learn that he would resort to violence.
As the investigation continues, the union's call for an end to vaccine misinformation and a commitment to the safety of CDC employees remains critical. The effects of this tragic event underscore the urgent need for clear communication and support for those working tirelessly to protect public health.
