2 days ago
CDC shooter, motivated by vaccine distrust, died of self-inflicted gunshot wound
It was unclear on Tuesday whether White himself had been vaccinated against the virus.
Jeff Williams, director of the CDC's Office of Safety, Security, and Asset Management, said during a separate all-hands agency meeting Tuesday morning that the shooting was 'a targeted attack on the CDC related to Covid-19' but appears to be 'an isolated event,' with no further threats to the agency.
'However, we are monitoring the airwaves [for] any potential threats to the organization or individuals within the organization,' Williams said, according to a live transcript obtained by POLITICO. White killed himself at the scene after fatally shooting DeKalb County police officer David Rose, Hosey said. No CDC employees were injured.
Hosey said White had 'recently verbalized thoughts of suicide, which even led to law enforcement being contacted several weeks prior to the incident.' He did not specify who reached out.
Hosey said law enforcement recovered five firearms, as well as other evidence that will undergo forensic testing by the agency. Law enforcement determined that the suspect forcibly opened a safe that contained the weapons used in the shooting.
During the all-hands meeting, CDC Director Susan Monarez thanked employees for their work and acknowledged that 'misinformation can be dangerous,' according to the transcript.
'In moments like this, we must meet the challenges with rational, evidence-based discourse spoken with compassion and understanding,' she said. 'That is how we will lead.'
