CDC Shaken: Gunman Attacks Headquarters
Susan Monarez Confirmed as CDC Director Amidst Shooting at Agency Headquarters
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The confirmation of Susan Monarez as director of the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was overshadowed Friday by a shooting on the agency’s Atlanta campus, leaving one police officer dead and prompting a prolonged lockdown.The incident has rattled an agency already navigating internal turmoil and external pressures.
Shooting and Lockdown at CDC Headquarters
The CDC campus remained on lockdown past 9:00 p.m. Eastern time following the shooting. According to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens,the 92 children present in daycare on the CDC campus were safe.
Employees received instructions via email to prepare to “run, hide, or fight” as the campus went into lockdown. Following the shooting, CDC leadership announced employees could work remotely on Monday, with Employee Assistance Program staff available throughout the weekend, as detailed in an internal email reviewed by STAT.
Authorities are investigating the shooter’s motives, with early reports suggesting a potential link to beliefs about the Covid-19 vaccine, as reported by CNN. Though, Mayor Dickens cautioned against drawing premature conclusions, stating that more information would be available “in short order.”
Monarez affirmed the agency is “actively coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to fully investigate the shooter and this tragic crime.”
Officer David rose Remembered
DeKalb County officials have identified the fallen officer as David Rose, a 33-year-old county police officer. Rose was a recent graduate of the police academy, having completed his training in March. He previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is survived by his wife, two children, and a third child due later this year.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) expressed his shock and offered prayers in a social media post.
mayor Dickens acknowledged the CDC’s recent challenges, stating, “To the men and women who work at CDC, we know you had a rough go of it in the past year, and my heart goes out to you,” adding, “Then today, this occurs.”
CDC Facing internal and External Challenges
The shooting occurs at a notably sensitive time for the CDC. the agency is grappling with the fallout from widespread federal layoffs, significant policy changes, and growing public skepticism. These factors have contributed to a sense of turmoil within the organization.
Furthermore, recent cuts to the CDC’s divisions focused on tracking and reducing gun violence have drawn criticism from advocates. They argue these reductions in staff and funding could jeopardize ongoing efforts to address gun violence,highlighting a concerning disconnect between public health needs and resource allocation. The timing of the shooting underscores the urgency of these concerns.
Helen Branswell and Chelsea Cirruzzo contributed reporting.