In the months leading up to a recent violent incident, White had increasingly voiced concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines, weaving these thoughts into discussions that were otherwise unrelated.
Disinformation
White’s fears closely mirror statements made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement in the United States. Kennedy has been known for promoting baseless claims about vaccines, fostering skepticism about essential health measures. Throughout the pandemic, his rhetoric escalated, culminating in false assertions such as calling COVID-19 vaccines the “deadliest vaccine ever made” and labeling the CDC as a “cesspool of corruption,” as highlighted by The New York Times.
Following the attack, CNN reported that the CDC convened a video call with approximately 800 members of its staff to discuss the traumatic events and to provide a platform for questions. Many employees expressed feelings of vulnerability, describing their experience of ducking for cover as gunfire rang close by.
During this call, another staff member inquired if newly appointed CDC Director Susan Monarez had directly communicated with Kennedy in relation to the shooting. “Do you expect Secretary Kennedy to make a statement about this, and are you able to speak to the misinformation—the disinformation—that caused this issue, and what your plan forward is to ensure this doesn’t happen again?” the employee asked. Monarez responded that she had indeed been in communication with Kennedy’s office but did not directly address the employee’s broader concerns, stating, “It’s a good question. We’ve been in constant communication with the Office of the Secretary, and more will be coming.”
“Deeply disturbing”
Authorities identified the officer who lost his life in the incident as 33-year-old David Rose of the DeKalb County Police Department, who had served for nearly a year. He succumbed to his injuries after being shot and was a father of two, with a third child on the way.
At the time of the shooting, the CDC’s campus was also home to a daycare center, which was responsible for the care of 92 children, according to CNN.
A union representing CDC employees issued a statement that included the following remarks:
This tragedy was not random and it compounds months of mistreatment, neglect, and vilification that CDC staff have endured. The deliberate targeting of CDC through this violent act is deeply disturbing, completely unacceptable, and an attack on every public servant. Early reports indicate the gunman was motivated by vaccine disinformation, which continues to pose a dangerous threat to public health and safety.
In light of the events, CDC staff have reportedly been given the option to work remotely on Monday.
