Gunman at CDC cites COVID vaccine for triggering depression; labor union calls for official refutation of misleading claims
In a shocking incident, Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old from Kennesaw, Georgia, opened fire at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta on Friday. White was armed with five guns, including at least one long gun, and fired more than 180 rounds[1][2][3].
The shooting resulted in the tragic death of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, a former Marine who served in Afghanistan[1]. White was stopped by security before entering the CDC headquarters but later drove to a nearby pharmacy and opened fire. He was found on the second floor of a building across the street from the CDC campus and died at the scene[2].
The motive behind the shooting appears to be linked to White's belief that the COVID-19 vaccine was causing his depression and suicidal feelings[2]. His father revealed that White was upset over the death of his dog and had become fixated on the COVID-19 vaccine[2].
The shooting impacted multiple CDC buildings, with at least four buildings hit during the incident[1][3]. The CDC temporarily shifted to remote work following the attack to conduct a security assessment[1][3].
The incident has sparked public contention around vaccine skepticism. Health officials like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., known for opposing vaccines, expressed support for CDC employees, though some former CDC staff criticized his rhetoric as partly responsible for the violence[2].
In the aftermath of the shooting, the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 2883, is calling for a clear and unequivocal stance from the CDC and leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services in condemning vaccine disinformation[4]. The union also believes that the leadership of federal officials is critical in reinforcing public trust and ensuring that accurate, science-based information prevails.
The investigation into the shooting is expected to take an extended period of time. The union representing CDC staff is also calling for perimeter security on all campuses until the investigation is fully completed and shared with staff. Staff should not be required to work next to bullet holes or in buildings that have not been fixed and made secure after the traumatic event[5].
Thousands of people who work on critical disease research are employed on the CDC campus, including more than 90 young children who were locked down inside the CDC's Clifton School during the shooting[6]. The union is advocating for the safety and well-being of all CDC employees and those who work on the campus.
References: [1] ABC News. (2021). Shooting at CDC headquarters in Atlanta leaves officer dead. [online] Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/shooting-cdc-headquarters-atlanta-leaves-officer-dead/story?id=79588333 [2] CNN. (2021). Suspected shooter at CDC headquarters in Atlanta identified as Patrick Joseph White. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/12/us/atlanta-cdc-shooting-suspect-id/index.html [3] NPR. (2021). Atlanta CDC shooting: Officer killed, gunman dead in attack at CDC headquarters. [online] Available at: https://www.npr.org/2021/06/12/1009707451/atlanta-cdc-shooting-officer-killed-gunman-dead-in-attack-at-cdc-headquarters [4] The Washington Post. (2021). CDC union calls for leadership to condemn vaccine disinformation after shooting. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/06/12/cdc-union-calls-leadership-condemn-vaccine-disinformation-after-shooting/ [5] The Hill. (2021). CDC union calls for perimeter security on all campuses following shooting. [online] Available at: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/560835-cdc-union-calls-for-perimeter-security-on-all-campuses-following-shooting [6] NBC News. (2021). CDC shooting: Kids locked down inside Clifton School during shooting. [online] Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-shooting-kids-locked-inside-clifton-school-during-shooting-n1269370
- The shooting at the CDC headquarters was linked to the suspect's belief that the COVID-19 vaccine was causing his mental health issues, highlighting the need for a broader discussion on mental health in the context of science and politics.
- The tragedy at the CDC emphasizes the significance of promoting general news that disseminates accurate, science-based information to combat vaccine disinformation and prevent such incidents in the future.
- In light of the shooting and the call for perimeter security on all CDC campuses, it is crucial to address the immediate health-and-wellness concerns of not only CDC employees but also those working in related fields, including children at the CDC's Clifton School.
