In a sobering message to over 10,000 employees on Tuesday afternoon, CDC Director Susan Monarez directly linked the promotion of misinformation to the recent deadly shooting at the agency’s campus.
The note highlighted the urgent need to combat misinformation, stating, “The dangers of misinformation and its promulgation has now led to deadly consequences. I will work to restore trust in public health to those who have lost it—through science, evidence, and clarity of purpose. I will need your help.”
This letter served as a summary of her remarks from a tumultuous town hall meeting earlier in the day, where technical difficulties overshadowed the discussions about the agency’s safety and mission.
During the meeting, Monarez stated, “Public health should never be under attack,” while emphasizing that misinformation can cause harm.
The shooting incident occurred on Friday, where law enforcement reported that the gunman discharged nearly 500 rounds on the CDC campus. According to Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Director Chris Hosey, approximately 200 of those rounds struck the buildings on the campus.
The precise count of shots fired by the gunman, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, versus those fired by law enforcement in response remains unclear.
Hosey confirmed that White utilized a long gun belonging to his father during the onslaught. Fortunately, White’s parents are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
While White had no criminal history, the GBI revealed that he had expressed suicidal thoughts in the weeks preceding the attack, prompting previous law enforcement notifications.
Additionally, a search of White’s residence yielded “written documentation” that articulated his discontent with the COVID-19 vaccine.
While no direct threats emerged from this documentation, Hosey noted that White intended to voice his dissatisfaction and skepticism regarding the vaccine.
Sources close to the suspected shooter indicated to ABC News that he often blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for health issues he experienced, including weight loss and gastrointestinal problems.
One neighbor recounted a conversation with White in which he attributed his health struggles to the vaccine.
Serious adverse health events following COVID-19 vaccinations are categorized as rare by the CDC.
White ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the shooting scene, where authorities recovered five firearms.
The investigation continues, with electronic devices seized from White’s home undergoing forensic examination and investigators conducting multiple interviews.
The shooting not only shocked the CDC community but also resulted in the tragic death of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, who was killed while responding to the chaos.
Hosey confirmed that preliminary findings indicated Officer Rose’s injuries were inflicted by one of the gunman’s weapons.
In the wake of the tragedy, Hosey honored Rose, stating, “He served with honor, courage, and unwavering dedication. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his commitment to protecting others is a profound testament to the very best of the law enforcement profession.”
Monarez acknowledged that the campus atmosphere would feel unsettling for some time and assured employees, “We will make sure that you have the resources, the protection, the support you need to keep doing the work that you do. Protecting health and saving lives.”
Moreover, she encouraged staff to check in on each other, emphasizing the unity needed to confront the challenges ahead together, founded on truth and mutual support.
As some employees expressed dissatisfaction with the town hall meeting, which concluded early due to technical issues, the letter from Monarez aimed to restore focus and reaffirm the agency’s mission amid the tragic incident.
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