HHS employees demand RFK Jr. cease misinformation after CDC shooting

In August 2025, a shooting incident occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Emory University. The assailant, fixated on the COVID-19 vaccine, killed a police officer during the attack. The shooter was reported to have fired approximately 200 rounds and was subsequently found dead, with a significant amount of firearms and shell casings recovered from the scene. This tragic event prompted serious concerns among federal health officials regarding their safety and the potential repercussions of misinformation. More than 750 employees from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent a joint letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging him to promote accurate health information and cease the dissemination of misleading claims about vaccines and public health policies. The letter highlighted the escalating threats against health workers and called for improved emergency procedures and communication measures within the department. The staff’s frustrations stemmed from a long-standing pattern of Kennedy's controversial statements regarding vaccines, which many believe directly contribute to public mistrust in health agencies and result in harm to public health efforts. This appeal prompted Kennedy to release a statement condemning the shooting but was criticized for being inadequately timed and lacking urgency. The employees made clear their distress about the environment they work in, feeling increasingly vulnerable due to the misinformation being circulated. Additionally, they emphasized the need for Kennedy to acknowledge and affirm the scientific integrity of the CDC during this critical period, where effective communication and trust in health organizations are essential for managing public health crises.