Public health officials are grappling with the aftermath of a tragic shooting incident that occurred at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) buildings in Atlanta on Friday, resulting in the death of one police officer. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooting. CDC Director Susan Monarez addressed the employees of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) on a call, expressing her unwavering support for the agency's mission amidst reports that the suspect was fixated on the coronavirus vaccine.
“While we pulled you all together today because of my concern for you, I want to make sure that you understand how supportive I am of you,” Monarez stated during the call, according to a recording obtained by The Washington Post. “I wanted to address you directly to make sure that you had the opportunity to share your concerns.”
The shooting has drawn significant attention as the CDC and other public health institutions have faced intense scrutiny and backlash following the coronavirus pandemic. Misinformation regarding vaccines and public health measures has been rampant, contributing to an environment of hostility. Reports from CNN and The New York Times indicate that the suspected gunman, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White from Kennesaw, Georgia, had developed an obsession with the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), White was found deceased on the second floor of a CVS drugstore near the CDC's Roybal Campus. He had sustained gunfire injuries, but it remains unclear whether they were inflicted by police or were self-inflicted. Tragically, Officer David Rose, aged 33, was killed during the incident. Fortunately, no civilians were harmed.
Interim Police Chief Greg Padrick paid tribute to Officer Rose, stating, “He gave his life with a commitment to serve others.” Officer Rose is survived by his wife and two children, with another child expected soon.
During Monarez's call with staff, Daniel Jernigan, who oversees the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), revealed that there were approximately 40 bullet holes in the CDC buildings. Although he did not provide a full account of the damage, he indicated that repairs would take time. An employee who participated in the call noted that the situation was “way worse than what was initially reported,” with gunfire lasting around 15 minutes. “It’s a miracle more people weren’t hit,” the employee added.
Most NCIRD staff are based in Building 24, one of the locations targeted by the shooter. Monarez did not disclose further details about the suspect's motives during her address. However, it was mentioned that the gunman left a note, suggesting his actions were deliberately aimed at the CDC. “We were told very clearly that this was targeted, directed at CDC,” an anonymous employee stated.
There has been speculation among CDC employees regarding potential prior knowledge of threats. During her first week in office, Monarez was reportedly accompanied by armed security guards. CDC leaders emphasized the need for a safe campus environment before employees return to work, although some staff members expressed doubt about how this could be achieved.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed deep sadness over the shooting, stating, “No one should face violence while working to protect the health of others.” He acknowledged the fear and anxiety among public health workers, as many CDC employees shared concerns about being potential targets due to rising anti-vaccine sentiments.
Interestingly, Kennedy himself has a controversial history regarding vaccines, having previously labeled the coronavirus vaccine as the “deadliest vaccine ever made.” His spokesperson, Andrew Nixon, attempted to downplay the impact of Kennedy’s past statements, asserting that the administration is focused on restoring trust in vaccines.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens commented on the shooter, indicating that he was a known individual with specific interests that remain undisclosed pending further investigation. Police received reports of the shooting around 4:50 p.m., with numerous shots being fired in the vicinity.
As the investigation unfolds, the GBI is leading the inquiry into the shooting, collaborating with the FBI and local law enforcement agencies. This incident has raised significant concerns about safety among CDC staff and the broader community, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding public health measures in the wake of the pandemic.
In the wake of this tragedy, community leaders and officials are calling for unity and support for those affected by the incident, as well as for measures to ensure the safety of public health workers dedicated to protecting the health of the nation.
