Georgia CDC shooting: US gunman blamed covid vaccine for depression; Kennedy faces heat

A man who opened fire on the headquarters of the US centres for disease control and prevention (CDC) in Atlanta on Friday, killing a police officer, had blamed the covid-19 vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal, a law enforcement official told the news agency AP.The suspect, identified as Patrick Joseph White, 30, was armed with five firearms, including at least one long gun, and tried to enter the CDC compound before being stopped by guards. He then drove across the street and opened fire near a pharmacy, according to the official, who spoke to the agency.White reportedly fired dozens of rounds into the CDC complex on Friday afternoon. Four buildings were hit. CDC staff went into lockdown as investigators scoured the scene.

Employees were later advised to work from home.

Cop killed, shooter blamed vaccine and pet’s death

Responding officer David Rose, a 33-year-old former Marine, was fatally shot. He had joined the DeKalb County police in March and was praised for his courage and professionalism."This evening, there is a wife without a husband. There are three children, one unborn, without a father," said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.According to the AP report, White’s father identified him to the police as the shooter and revealed that he had been emotionally disturbed after the death of his dog and had become fixated on COVID-19 vaccines.

Neighbours also described White as “deeply unsettled” about vaccines. “He very deeply believed that vaccines hurt him and were hurting other people,” neighbour Nancy Hoalst told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.Authorities have not confirmed whether White was killed by police or died by suicide.

CDC employees shaken, Kennedy faces backlash

CDC director Susan Monarez confirmed that four CDC buildings were hit. Staff expressed security concerns, with some saying they felt like “sitting ducks.”

A security review has been ordered, and employees were advised to remove CDC parking decals from their cars.Health and human services secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, known for his anti-vaccine stance, condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with CDC staff. “No one should face violence while working to protect the health of others,” he said in an email.However, former CDC employees and critics said Kennedy’s rhetoric contributed to the hostile climate. The group Fired But Fighting called for his resignation, accusing him of “villainising” the agency's workforce. Kennedy has previously cut $500 million from vaccine development and continues to promote anti-vaccine views.