CDC shooting prompts union call for clear stand against misinformation

A Georgia man killed a police officer in an attack at the CDC headquarters, and a union calls for officials to condemn vaccine misinformation.

Union demands clear stance against vaccine misinformation after CDC shooting

A gunman opened fire outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta on Friday, killing a police officer and injuring none publicly reported at the scene. The shooter, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, died at the scene after being found on the second floor of a building across the street. Police say he had attempted to enter the campus earlier but was stopped by guards before driving to a nearby pharmacy to continue the attack. White was reported to have five guns, including a long gun, according to law enforcement.

The incident drew immediate attention from the CDCs union, which said the attack was not random and called for a clear condemnation of vaccine misinformation by federal leaders. The AFGE Local 2883 urged tighter security on CDC campuses and argued that public statements against misinformation could help protect scientists who work on sensitive health issues. The attack prompted lockdowns and raised questions about safety around a major public health campus, including reports that staff and even children were sheltered inside Clifton School during the investigation.

The shooting underscores how public health disputes can spill into real violence when misinformation hardens into a belief system. Leaders are now pressed to speak out clearly and decisively against false narratives about vaccines, a step some unions say is essential to protect staff and preserve trust in science.

Beyond rhetoric, the episode highlights practical needs for protection and mental health support at large health campuses. Security measures, secure facilities, and a plan for trauma recovery should be part of the long aftermath, not afterthoughts. As investigators pursue the motive, the broader public may demand accountability from policymakers and health officials who shape vaccine messaging and research funding.

Highlights

The episode shows how public health debates can turn personal and dangerous, and the need for steady, principled leadership.