A tragic incident unfolded at the main campus of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta on Friday when a gunman carried out an attack, resulting in the death of one police officer. The shooter was subsequently killed, and Atlanta police confirmed that there was no longer an ongoing threat by 6:40 p.m.
Susan Monarez, who had recently taken on the role of director at the agency, expressed deep concern over the shooting in a post on X. She reassured the public that the CDC was collaborating with various law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure the safety of all individuals at the CDC.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. echoed Monarez’s sentiments on X but refrained from providing further comments at that time. The shooting targeted at least four buildings on the CDC’s Roybal Campus, causing damage and leaving bullet holes in windows. One of the buildings affected housed the offices of the agency’s leadership, as reported by an anonymous employee.
The CDC campus remained on lockdown beyond 9:00 p.m., with Monarez confirming that the 92 children in daycare on the premises were unharmed. Employees were initially instructed to be prepared to run, hide, or fight in response to the threat, and were later informed that they could work remotely on Monday following the incident. The shooter’s motive was speculated to be linked to a belief that the Covid-19 vaccine had caused him harm, according to a report by CNN.
Mayor Andre Dickens assured the safety of the children and employees, expressing sympathy for the hardships faced by the CDC staff over the past year. The shooting added to the challenges already faced by the agency, including layoffs, policy changes, and concerns about politicization and public distrust.
The incident also raised concerns about the impact of cuts to CDC divisions focused on addressing gun violence, with advocates warning that such reductions could hinder efforts to combat this pressing issue. The CDC’s efforts to track and reduce gun violence were already strained by funding delays and staff cuts across the federal government.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, the CDC emphasized its commitment to investigating the shooter and the crime, with support from various partners. The news of the shooting prompted an outpouring of support and prayers from officials and the public, underscoring the need for unity and resilience in the face of such senseless violence.
