CDC union demands Trump officials condemn vaccine disinformation after shooting

A union representing Centers for Disease Control workers is calling on the Trump administration to condemn vaccine disinformation after the CDC headquarters was targeted in a shooting that killed a police officer in Atlanta, Georgia.The big picture: The suspect, named as Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, Ga., who died during Friday's shooting, had reportedly blamed the COVID vaccine for his health issues.A local division of the American Federation of Government Employees union said the incident "is not random and it compounds months of mistreatment, neglect, and vilification that CDC staff have endured."Zoom in: The AFGE Local 2883 said in its media statement there must be a "clear and unequivocal stance in condemning vaccine disinformation" by the leadership of the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services, which is led by vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr."Their leadership is critical in reinforcing public trust and ensuring that accurate, science-based information prevails. This condemnation is necessary to help prevent violence against scientists that may be incited by such disinformation," per the statement."The deliberate targeting of CDC through this violent act is deeply disturbing, completely unacceptable, and an attack on every public servant," the union said. "It was motivated by vaccine disinformation, which continues to pose a dangerous threat to public health and safety."What they're saying: CDC Director Susan Monarez said on X Friday she was "heartbroken" over the attack that saw a gunman open fire on "at least four" CDC buildings.Kennedy said on X Saturday, "No one should face violence while working to protect the health of others.He added: "We are actively supporting CDC staff on the ground and across the agency. Public health workers show up every day with purpose — even in moments of grief and uncertainty."Representatives for the HHS and CDC did not immediately respond to Axios' requests for comment on Sunday evening.More from Axios:RFK Jr.'s medical skepticism goes beyond vaccinesScientists mobilize to counter vaccine misinformationWhat to know about RFK Jr.'s positions on vaccines, drugs and health care

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