NASTAD Statement on CDC Attack

On August 8, a gunman opened fire on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. One person, DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, lost his life. NASTAD expresses our deepest condolences to Officer Rose’s family, and solidarity with our friends and colleagues at the CDC who experienced this traumatic assault.  

The public health workforce, and CDC staff in particular, have gone through an unbelievably challenging period since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These are individuals who have dedicated their careers to improving the health and wellness of their fellow citizens and have been unfairly maligned for their efforts. Now they have faced an actual assault – something no one should have to experience when trying to do their work. 

It is time for everyone to tone down the rhetoric and come together to find common ground in our approach to ensuring a healthier future for the people of the United States and world. 

If you would like to make a donation to Officer David Rose’s family, a GoFundMe has been set up in his honor here.