ATLANTA, Ga. — Tensions heightened at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday as current and former employees gathered to express their concerns during a visit from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The meeting came in the aftermath of a recent shooting incident that left visible scars on the CDC campus.
Employees returned to work for the first time since the violent event, confronting a painful reality marked by damage and fear. For many, the experience was overwhelming. Elizabeth Soda, a CDC staff member, stood outside with colleagues, clutching a sign that proclaimed, “Save the CDC.” She expressed the emotional toll of witnessing the aftermath of violence in an institution dedicated to public health. “It’s heartbreaking to see the bullet holes here,” Soda said. “The CDC is crucial to our community, yet we feel villainized for our work.”
A number of staff members voiced their discontent, attributing some of the hostility toward the agency to Kennedy’s past anti-vaccine rhetoric. They believe this environment may have contributed to last week’s shooting. “We are here to serve the public, not to be seen as enemies,” another employee stated, underlining their commitment to health and safety.
As Kennedy’s motorcade arrived for discussions with CDC Director Susan Monarez, employees lined the street, chanting their frustrations. Anger and disillusionment were palpable among the crowd. “The only reason he came here was when it was empty after a tragedy,” one employee remarked, highlighting their frustrations with the timing of his visit.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services reiterated Kennedy’s condemnation of the shooting while emphasizing his commitment to employee safety. “In order to protect lives, we must return to our work—sharing science and data to safeguard the public,” Soda added.
During his visit, Kennedy toured the damaged areas of the CDC, engaged with law enforcement officials, and met with the widow of Officer David Rose, who tragically lost his life in the shooting. These gestures of support come as the agency seeks to restore a sense of normalcy and security after a traumatic week.
The road ahead for the CDC may prove challenging as it strives to recover from both emotional and physical wounds. The employees remain steadfast in their mission, continuing to advocate for the vital work they do in public health despite the adversities they face.