Police Response... Officer Killed at CDC Headquarters Scene
Criticism Directed at Health Secretary Kennedy for "Fueling Vaccine Conspiracy Theories"
U.S. media outlets have reported that the perpetrator who died in the shooting incident at the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta had been deeply immersed in COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy theories.
On August 10, Yonhap News, citing U.S. media such as the Associated Press and The New York Times, reported that on the night of August 8 (local time), a man opened fire at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta.
The headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, USA, where a shooting incident occurred on the 8th (local time). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
The man attempted to enter the CDC building but was stopped by security guards. He then moved to a pharmacy across the street, pulled out a gun, and started shooting. As a result, a police officer who responded to the scene was shot and killed.
Local media identified the perpetrator as Patrick Joseph White, a 30-year-old man from the Atlanta suburbs. He was found dead at the scene from a gunshot wound. It has not yet been confirmed whether he was shot by responding police officers or died by suicide.
One police officer who responded to the scene was shot and killed by the perpetrator. The fallen officer was a former U.S. Marine who had joined the police force less than a year ago and was considered a rookie.
Immediately after the incident, dozens of bullet marks were found on the CDC headquarters buildings, and spent shell casings were scattered across the scene. Five firearms belonging to the perpetrator's father were recovered from the scene.
Perpetrator Immersed in Vaccine Conspiracy Theories "Reported Mental Illness"
On the 9th (local time), a bouquet of flowers was placed near the pharmacy, the crime scene, to mourn the police officer who was shot and killed by the perpetrator. Photo by AP Yonhap News
According to U.S. media reports, the perpetrator had been deeply involved in COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy theories and had reported suffering from mental illness. In recent weeks, he had sought help for mental health issues, and his father told police that his son had been struggling with suicidal impulses.
Local media further reported that the perpetrator believed his health problems were caused by the COVID-19 vaccine and was highly fixated on this idea. As a result, it appears he targeted the CDC, which is responsible for overseeing the U.S. response to infectious diseases.
On the morning of the incident, Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. sent an email to Health Department staff expressing condolences for the fallen police officer. He stated, "I know all too well how deeply this must have shocked our colleagues working in public health," and added, "Those who protect public health should never have to face such violence." However, criticism emerged that the health secretary himself bore significant responsibility for fueling vaccine conspiracy theories, as he had frequently and openly expressed distrust of vaccines.
'Fired But Fighting,' an association of former CDC employees who were dismissed from the agency, issued a statement condemning Kennedy, saying, "Kennedy bears direct responsibility for demonizing CDC employees by spreading endless lies about science and vaccine safety," and accused him of "fostering hostility and distrust toward vaccines and the CDC." Kennedy, who has consistently expressed strong distrust of vaccinations, especially the COVID-19 vaccine, has claimed that doctors recommend vaccinations for financial gain.
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