CDC union demands Trump officials condemn disinformation after shooting
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Tributes left outside the Centers For Disease Control Global Headquarters on Saturday following a shooting that left two dead in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images
A union representing Centers for Disease Control workers is calling on the Trump administration to condemn vaccine disinformation after the CDC headquarters was targeted in a shooting that killed a police officer in Atlanta, Georgia.
The big picture: The suspect, named as Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, Ga., who died during Friday's shooting, had reportedly blamed the COVID vaccine for his health issues.
- A local division of the American Federation of Government Employees union said the incident "is not random and it compounds months of mistreatment, neglect, and vilification that CDC staff have endured."
Zoom in: There must be a "clear and unequivocal stance in condemning vaccine disinformation" by the leadership of the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services, which is led by vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the AFGE Local 2883 said in its statement to members.
- "Their leadership is critical in reinforcing public trust and ensuring that accurate, science-based information prevails. This condemnation is necessary to help prevent violence against scientists that may be incited by such disinformation," per the statement.
- "The deliberate targeting of CDC through this violent act is deeply disturbing, completely unacceptable, and an attack on every public servant," the union said. "It was motivated by vaccine disinformation, which continues to pose a dangerous threat to public health and safety."
What they're saying: CDC director Susan Monarez said on X Friday she was "heartbroken" over the attack that saw a gunman open fire on "at least four" CDC buildings.
- Kennedy said on X Saturday, "No one should face violence while working to protect the health of others."
- He added: "We are actively supporting CDC staff on the ground and across the agency. Public health workers show up every day with purpose — even in moments of grief and uncertainty."
Of note: When asked for comment on the union's call for CDC and HHS leaders to condemn vaccine disinformation, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said Kennedy had "unequivocally condemned the horrific attack."
- Nixon said Kennedy "remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of CDC employees" and extended his deepest condolences to the loved ones of the DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, who died in the shooting.
- "This is a time to stand in solidarity with our public health workforce, not a moment for the media to exploit a tragedy for political gain," Nixon added.
- He did not immediately respond to Axios' follow-up request for comment on the union's vaccine disinformation condemnation call.
- Representatives for the CDC did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment on Sunday evening.
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