CDC union demands Trump officials condemn disinformation after shooting
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.
The local American Federation of Government Employees division of the union said the incident "is not random and it compounds months of mistreatment, neglect, and vilification that CDC staff have endured."
Zoom in: The AFGE Local 2883 said in its media statement there must be "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.
"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."
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