The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta was rocked by a tragic incident on Friday when a gunman attacked the main campus, resulting in the death of one police officer. The shooter was also killed, and Atlanta police confirmed that there was no ongoing threat by 6:40 p.m.
Newly appointed CDC director, Susan Monarez, expressed her condolences and reassured the public that the agency was collaborating with federal, state, and local law enforcement to investigate the shooting. The safety and well-being of everyone at the CDC were highlighted as the top priority during this challenging time.
The CDC campus remained on lockdown past 9:00 p.m., with all 92 children in daycare on the campus reported to be safe. Employees were advised to run, hide, or fight when alerted to the threat, and the campus was placed on lockdown. Following the incident, CDC leaders informed employees that they could work remotely on Monday and that Employee Assistance Program staff would be available throughout the weekend.
Reports suggested that the shooter may have been motivated by a belief that the Covid-19 vaccine had made him sick. However, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens refrained from speculating on the shooter’s motives, stating that more information may become available soon.
DeKalb County officials identified the fallen officer as David Rose, a 33-year-old police officer who had recently graduated from the police academy after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. The tragic loss of Officer Rose was mourned by the community, with Senator Bill Cassidy offering prayers and support to the CDC employees.
The violence at the CDC compound added to the existing turmoil within the agency, which had already been grappling with layoffs, policy changes, and concerns about politicization. The incident underscored the challenges faced by CDC divisions working to address gun violence, as funding cuts and staffing reductions threatened ongoing efforts to combat this public health issue.
As investigations into the shooting continue, the CDC remains committed to its mission of protecting public health and ensuring the safety of its employees and visitors. The support and solidarity of the community are crucial during this difficult time, as the agency navigates through the aftermath of this tragic event.
