Attack at CDC Headquarters in Atlanta
In Atlanta on Friday, a man unleashed a barrage of over 180 shots at the CDC headquarters, shattering approximately 150 windows on the campus.
The cleanup and window replacement might take weeks or even months, according to officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This incident stemmed from a Georgia man who allegedly blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for his personal issues, ultimately leading to a fire that resulted in the death of a police officer.
Fortunately, no CDC employees suffered injuries during the attack.
Reportedly, the shooter drove to a local pharmacy, but was stopped by a CDC security guard before the fire erupted later that day, according to law enforcement sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
A 30-year-old man named Patrick Joseph White later died, although it remains unclear if he was killed by police or took his own life.
On Monday, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the CDC campus and observed the damage, with broken windows evident in various buildings, including the main guard booth.
Accompanying him were HHS Deputy Chief Jim O’Neill and CDC Director Susan Monares.
Kennedy also made a stop at the DeKalb County Police Department to meet with the police chief, as well as David Rose, the widow of the deceased officer.
Monares issued a social media statement on Friday night indicating that at least four CDC buildings were affected by the attack.
In the days following the incident, during a CDC Leadership Meeting, the full extent of the damage was assessed.
Some CDC employees, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared insights about the meeting with the Associated Press, though they weren’t authorized to disclose specific information.
Reports indicated that Building 21, which houses Monares’ office, sustained the most damage, though officials did not clarify if her office was specifically targeted.
This week, employees at the CDC were advised to work from home as a precaution.
Kennedy commented on the situation, asserting that “No one should face violence while working to protect the health of others,” emphasizing federal support for CDC staff.
He refrained from addressing the media during his visit on Monday.
Stephan Monroe, a retired CDC employee, expressed concern about how this attack might deter young scientists from pursuing careers in government roles. He suggested this could have a lasting impact on a generation.
Tim Young, another former CDC employee, reflected on how years of negative rhetoric surrounding vaccines could be detrimental to mental health and might fuel violence.
Dr. Jerome Adams, who served as U.S. Surgeon General during the Trump administration, remarked that health leaders need to be fully aware of how their words resonate with the public, stating, “When you make proven claims over and over again… it can have unintended consequences.”
