CDC staffers unimpressed by all-staff meeting in wake of attack

The newly appointed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made a concerted effort to reassure employees in the wake of a recent gunman attack on the agency’s headquarters. Susan Monarez, the new director, addressed staff during an all-hands meeting, emphasizing that their mission would continue and that measures to enhance their safety were being implemented.

However, the meeting was described as chaotic and inadequate by some employees. Technical issues delayed the start of the meeting, and some staff members were unable to join the call. Despite the presence of Jim O’Neill, deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, no formal address was given. Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has faced criticism for his previous statements about vaccines and public health workers, was also notably absent.

Monarez referenced the political tensions surrounding the CDC, acknowledging the challenges posed by misinformation and the need to rebuild trust. She emphasized the importance of evidence-based discourse and compassion in addressing these challenges. The CDC Foundation has initiated a fundraising campaign for the family of officer David Rose, who was tragically killed in the attack.

During the meeting, Monarez encouraged staff to seek support from the employee assistance program and their colleagues. She highlighted the resilience and strength of CDC employees and pledged to provide the necessary resources for them to continue their vital work.

The attack, carried out by a gunman who blamed a Covid vaccination for health issues, resulted in over 500 rounds being fired at the CDC headquarters. Employees were left shaken as they were forced to shelter in place while security conducted a thorough sweep of the campus. The gunman, identified as Patrick Joseph White, ultimately took his own life.

Despite the harrowing experience, some CDC staff reported not receiving security alerts and learning of the incident through external notifications. Concerns about safety and the response to the attack were raised during a subsequent meeting with the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

Monarez’s address, originally scheduled as an introductory meeting, took on a different tone in light of the recent events. While the meeting may have been brief and disrupted, Monarez’s commitment to supporting CDC employees and upholding the agency’s mission was evident.