Gunman at CDC links COVID vaccine to depression; labor union calls for public denouncement of vaccine misinformation
The city of Atlanta was shaken on August 8, 2025, when a shooting incident occurred at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters. The shooter, identified as Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old resident of Kennesaw, Georgia, opened fire, resulting in a tragic chain of events.
White, who was armed with at least five guns, including at least one long gun, fired over 500 rounds, causing extensive damage to multiple buildings and resulting in the death of a DeKalb County police officer, David Rose. Officer Rose, a former Marine who served in Afghanistan and had recently graduated from the police academy in March, lost his life in the line of duty[1].
The shooting incident left bullet marks in windows across the sprawling CDC campus, with at least four CDC buildings being hit. Remarkably, no CDC employees were physically injured, but several others were treated for anxiety and stress[3].
Investigations have revealed that White held a fixation on the COVID-19 vaccine, blaming it for causing him depression, suicidal thoughts, and physical ailments such as weight loss and gastrointestinal problems[1][2][3]. Documents found at White’s home further supported this conclusion, suggesting that vaccine misinformation may have motivated the attack[1][2].
Neighbours of White, such as Nancy Hoalst, have reported his deep-seated distrust of COVID-19 vaccines, a belief he expressed in unrelated conversations[2]. This disturbing trend of vaccine-related misinformation has been condemned by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents CDC workers. The union has called for a clear and unequivocal stance from the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in condemning vaccine disinformation, citing it as a dangerous threat that can incite violence against public health scientists[1].
In the aftermath of the shooting, the union has demanded that CDC staff not be required to immediately return to work. They have also called for "perimeter security on all campuses" until the investigation is fully completed and shared with staff. Additionally, they have insisted that windows and buildings should be fixed and made "completely secure" before staff return to work[2].
The investigation into the shooting is expected to take an extended period of time, but the motive tied to vaccine disinformation is clear from the available evidence[3]. The AFGE has also emphasised the need for public condemnation of vaccine misinformation, citing it as a crucial step towards preventing such tragedies in the future.
Thousands of people who work on critical disease research are employed on the CDC campus, making this incident a significant blow to the global fight against disease. The CDC and the wider scientific community continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of their staff and the continuation of their vital work.
[1] ABC News, "CDC Shooting: Gunman Identified, Motive Revealed," August 9, 2025. [2] CNN, "CDC Shooting: Union Calls for Increased Security," August 10, 2025. [3] NPR, "CDC Shooting: Community Mourns Lost Life and Condemns Vaccine Misinformation," August 11, 2025.
- The tragic shooting incident at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta on August 8, 2025, has prompted the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) to call for a stronger stance against vaccine disinformation, citing it as a potential catalyst for violence.
- Remarkably, despite the gunfire causing extensive damage and bullets marking windows across the CDC campus, no CDC employees were physically injured, but several needed treatment for anxiety and stress.
- The general-news outlets reported that the shooter, Patrick Joseph White, had a fixation on the COVID-19 vaccine, blaming it for his health-and-wellness issues, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and physical ailments.
- While the investigation into the shooting is ongoing, the resultant damage to multiple buildings and the death of a DeKalb County police officer, David Rose, have highlighted the urgent need for mental-health support services and security measures at places like the CDC, particularly in the face of climate-related health concerns and the fast-paced world of politics.
