Labor unions

CDC Staff Demand security Overhaul, Condemnation of Vaccine Misinformation following Shooting

Atlanta, GA – Teh American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2883, representing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employees, is calling for a robust security upgrade and a strong public denouncement of vaccine misinformation following a shooting incident at the agency’s Roybal Campus in Atlanta on Friday. The incident prompted lockdowns, including one affecting over 90 children at the CDC’s Clifton School, and has left staff traumatized.

The shooting occurred on February 23, 2024, when 35-year-old Junhong White allegedly opened fire on the CDC campus. While no one was directly injured by the gunfire, the incident triggered widespread fear and disruption. White’s father contacted police, identifying his son as a potential suspect. He is currently in custody.

The AFGE Local 2883 is demanding that CDC leadership and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issue a “clear and unequivocal stance in condemning vaccine disinformation,” citing a direct link between such misinformation and a climate of hostility towards public health officials. The union argues that a strong statement from federal leadership is crucial to restoring public trust and ensuring the safety of its members. A group of former CDC employees, “Fired But Fighting,” has publicly blamed Secretary Kennedy Jr.’s past statements questioning vaccine safety for contributing to the animosity faced by CDC staff.

Secretary Kennedy Jr. responded to the incident on saturday, stating, “no one should face violence while working to protect the health of others.”

Beyond the immediate Crisis: The Rising Threat to Public Health Workers

This incident underscores a growing trend of threats and violence directed towards public health workers, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC campus, located at 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, is a critical hub for disease research and prevention, employing thousands of scientists, researchers, and support staff. The Roybal Campus specifically houses several CDC centers, including the National Center for immunization and Respiratory Diseases and the National Center for Environmental Health.

Law enforcement officials have revealed that White had become increasingly fixated on the COVID-19 vaccine, fueled by distrust and misinformation.Nancy Hoalst,a neighbor of White in Lilburn,Georgia,told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he repeatedly expressed strong beliefs that vaccines were harmful,though she never anticipated violent behavior. “He was very unsettled, and he very deeply believed that vaccines hurt him and were hurting other people,” Hoalst stated.

the AFGE Local 2883 is advocating for several immediate actions:

Delayed Return to Work: The union is requesting that staff not be required to return to work until buildings are fully repaired, including addressing bullet holes, and are deemed “entirely secure.” They argue that forcing a return under current conditions could re-traumatize employees.
Enhanced Perimeter Security: The union is calling for “perimeter security on all campuses” until the investigation is completed and findings are shared with staff.
* Mental Health Support: While not explicitly stated in the original release, providing thorough mental health resources for affected staff will be crucial in the aftermath of this traumatic event.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of spreading misinformation and the importance of protecting those dedicated to safeguarding public health. The investigation is ongoing, led by the FBI and the Atlanta Police Department.