RFK Jr. Honors Fallen Officer on CDC Shooting Anniversary in Atlanta

A Somber Remembrance at CDC: Honoring Officer David Rose Amidst Institutional Challenges

In a week filled with reflection and emotion, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta commemorates the tragic events of a year ago when a gunman opened fire, leaving a police officer dead. Today, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the CDC to pay tribute to the fallen officer.

AILSA CHANG, HOST: This week is particularly poignant at the CDC, as employees gather to reflect on the events of August 2025. The shooting, which claimed the life of DeKalb County police officer David Rose, has left a lasting impact on the community. Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. honored Officer Rose in a ceremony today.

JESS MADOR, BYLINE: Hi.

CHANG: Can you recap how the tragic events unfolded last August?

MADOR: It was during the afternoon rush hour when the tranquility of a typical day was shattered. A gunman, identified later as Patrick Joseph White, unleashed hundreds of rounds outside the CDC campus. Officer David Rose, aged 33, was killed in the attack before White turned the gun on himself. White’s writings revealed dissatisfaction with the COVID-19 vaccine.

CHANG: Describe the atmosphere at the CDC today.

MADOR: Although the events with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were not open to the press, he appeared at a morning ceremony with CDC staff, unveiling a plaque in honor of Officer Rose. Later, Kennedy and Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya led a private town hall for staff.

CHANG: While access was limited, you spoke with attendees. What insights did they share?

MADOR: Conversations with current and former CDC employees revealed mixed emotions. Some felt Kennedy’s presence overshadowed the remembrance of Officer Rose. For others, the day served as a reminder of a challenging year marked by staff departures and budget cuts under Kennedy’s leadership.

An employee, who was present during the shooting and requested anonymity due to fear of retribution, expressed strong feelings:

UNIDENTIFIED CDC EMPLOYEE: “Of all people, we felt like that was odd. Of all days, to have the one person who is most responsible for the entire buckling and, like, crushing of this institution to be here on this day is pretty offensive. I don’t know. I’m not sure who decided that that was a good idea.”

CHANG: What is the Trump administration’s stance on the CDC’s budget reductions?

MADOR: Officials maintain that the cuts were necessary to eliminate inefficiencies within federal agencies. This week, the Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new permanent CDC director. Schwartz, former deputy surgeon general, faces the challenge of restoring morale and guiding the CDC through recent outbreaks like measles and the flu. A community memorial service for Officer Rose is scheduled tomorrow near the CDC.

CHANG: Thank you, Jess.

MADOR: Thank you so much.

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