On August 8, an individual discharged 500 rounds at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, resulting in casualties among law enforcement and specifically targeting health workers.
This act of political violence raises serious concerns. Sadly, the lack of response from our leaders seems to only encourage such behavior.
Gun violence manifests in various ways, yet there’s often a shared underlying influence. Cultural norms can either stifle or justify violent acts. Additionally, the accessibility and potency of firearms play a crucial role in determining both the frequency and gravity of these incidents.
In the tragic CDC shooting, it seems that while the shooter had a significant supply of firearms and ammunition, there were gaps in the safety of the guns owned by family members. Reports indicate that his actions stemmed from a belief that the Covid-19 vaccine he received was adversely affecting his health.
Interestingly, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is the Secretary of Health and Human Services overseeing the CDC, has been a strong proponent of disinformation surrounding vaccine safety. He has claimed that the Covid-19 vaccine is “the deadliest vaccine ever created” and is described as “toxic.”
CDC staff consistently relied on the best available evidence throughout the pandemic to safeguard the public. However, when leaders propagate unfounded accusations that misrepresent their efforts, it effectively heightens the risk of violence and threats against these individuals.
Political violence, especially when motivated by political aims, can fester in an environment where it goes unchallenged. It may be beneficial for influential figures, including leaders and citizens, to unequivocally state that “political violence will not be tolerated” in order to deter future incidents.
Kennedy did eventually issue a statement condemning the shooting, yet he has refrained from retracting any of his previous comments about CDC personnel regarding the Covid-19 vaccine. This delay, I think, sends a troubling message to those working at the CDC and other public health settings—one that suggests they need to brace themselves.
Dr. Jerome Adams, who previously served as surgeon general under Trump, openly condemned the shooting and noted Kennedy’s slow response.
Trump himself hasn’t directly commented on the CDC shooting. Still, he has shown irritation regarding the two political appointees involved, which included the activation of the National Guard and changes in the Washington, DC Police Department’s oversight, despite overall crime rates being the lowest they’ve been in three decades.
Political figures like Trump and Kennedy hold significant accountability in denouncing all forms of violence, particularly when it threatens the safety of public health professionals. Failing to address the issue, I believe, may exacerbate the risk of future violence.
Like many at the CDC, we are public health researchers aiming to understand threats to public health. We advocate for data-driven approaches to enhance community safety.
Evidence suggests that dangerous discourses can spark fear and lead to violence, compounded by the availability of semi-automatic weapons and excessive ammunition.
Standing against political violence is essential. The messages from our leaders matter; they help cultivate social norms that reject any semblance of violence. Without clear leadership on these issues, we all face a greater risk.
Political intimidation threatens the very heart of democracy and public health. We call upon all elected officials and community leaders to assert that political violence is unacceptable. Silence only serves to empower it.
Moreover, we implore Trump and Kennedy to cease promoting conspiracy theories that distort reality and vilify public health officials and federal workers. People’s lives depend on it.
Dr. Cassandra Crifasi, MPH, and Daniel Webster, SCD, MPH are affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
