The gunman who attacked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta fired over 180 rounds, causing extensive property damage and breaking 150 windows.
Patrick Joseph White, 30, opened fire at the building complex on Friday, ultimately killing a police officer. CDC personnel told the Associated Press that the damage could take weeks to months to clean up. Information circulated within the organization revealed that bullets had pierced “blast-resistant” windows and thrown sharp glass into numerous rooms.
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The largest number of bullets hit Building 21, where CDC Director Susan Monarez’s office is located.
Though he died after firing a hail of bullets at the buildings, police still haven’t said whether White killed himself or was killed by police. He reportedly attacked the CDC because he thought a COVID-19 vaccine had made him suicidal.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. toured the CDC headquarters Monday to survey the damage, accompanied by Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill and Monarez.
Kennedy then visited the DeKalb County Police Department, where he met the widow of the officer who was killed in the attack.
“We know how shaken our public health colleagues feel today. No one should face violence while working to protect the health of others,” Kennedy said in a statement, posted on X.
GUNMAN IN CDC SHOOTING BLAMED COVID-19 VACCINE FOR MAKING HIM SUICIDAL
“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,” he added.
The shooting was initially believed to be targeting Emory University’s Atlanta campus, which is located within a mile of the CDC headquarters.