After CDC shooting, employees and public health leaders urge RFK Jr. to change his rhetoric
CDC employees described terror as a gunman fired at CDC buildings in Atlanta, with at least 180 shots hitting about 150 windows and doors, and glass propelled up to 30–60 feet inside rooms15.
Employees expressed disappointment with agency leadership’s response and frustration over the broader climate, linking it to hostile rhetoric toward CDC and vaccines1.
Public health critics and advocacy groups called on RFK Jr. to stop his vaccine-related rhetoric, with some demanding his resignation, arguing his statements have fueled hostility toward CDC staff24.
RFK Jr., now serving as HHS secretary, visited the bullet-damaged CDC campus, met with leadership, and later met the widow of fallen officer David Rose2.
CDC leadership held an all-staff meeting promising increased security, mental health support, and expanded safety measures, though staff criticized the limited format for feedback3.
The shooter, identified as Patrick Joseph White, reportedly blamed a COVID vaccination for chronic health problems and fired from a pharmacy across the street, striking multiple CDC buildings before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot34.
CDC has allowed remote work options temporarily while assessing security upgrades and supporting traumatized staff23.
Sources:
1. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-atlanta-shooting-employees-react-rfk-statement/
2. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/as-kennedy-visits-bullet-riddled-cdc-critics-insist-he-stop-vaccine-rhetoric/
3. https://www.statnews.com/2025/08/12/cdc-all-hands-meeting-wake-of-gunman-attack/
4. https://www.statnews.com/2025/08/09/cdc-gunman-security-disinformation-rfk-jr/