Gunman at CDC attributing depression and suicidal thoughts to COVID vaccine, union calling for modification in vaccination policy
Late Friday, a tragic incident unfolded at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) campus, involving a shooting that resulted in the death of a police officer. The shooter, Patrick Joseph White, was armed with five guns, including at least one long gun.
The incident was not random, according to the union representing CDC workers. White, who blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for his depression and suicidal thoughts, had a deep-seated distrust of vaccines. Neighbor Nancy Hoalst confirmed that they had spoken about his distrust of the COVID-19 vaccines on several occasions. However, there is no credible scientific evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to causing depression or suicidal thoughts, despite White's personal belief.
Thousands of people working on disease research are employed at the CDC campus where the shooting took place. In the aftermath, the union has demanded that federal officials act and condemn vaccine misinformation, emphasizing the need to combat such falsehoods to protect public trust and safety. They have also requested a clear and unequivocal stance from federal officials in condemning vaccine disinformation.
The union has demanded that windows and buildings be fixed and made "completely secure" before staff return. They have also requested that CDC staff not be required to return to work immediately after the traumatic event. The union believes that a public statement by federal officials is needed to prevent violence against scientists.
In addition, a group of recently laid-off CDC employees, 'Fired But Fighting,' called out HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his continuous lies about science and vaccine safety. The union accused him of villainizing the CDC's workforce. In response, Kennedy Jr. reached out to staff members on Saturday, expressing that no one should face violence while working to protect the health of others.
Extensive research shows that psychological distress such as depression or anxiety is associated with vaccine hesitancy, but this reflects people's preexisting mental health status rather than vaccines causing these conditions. Some studies note that individuals with psychological distress may be more sensitive to vaccine-related information or adverse effects, but this does not indicate causality from the vaccines themselves.
Public health authorities and scientific reviews maintain that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, with no established causal link to depression or suicidal ideation. The shooter’s perpetration of violence linked to his belief about the vaccine is a tragic incident reflecting misinformation and personal factors, including his fixation on the vaccine and other stressors, rather than evidence-based medical facts.
More than 90 children were on lockdown inside the CDC's Clifton School during the incident. The Associated Press contributed to this article.
- Given the tragic shooting incident at the CDC campus and the shooter's distrust of vaccines, the union representing CDC workers has demanded that federal officials act and condemn vaccine misinformation.
- The union believes that a public statement by federal officials is needed to prevent violence against scientists, emphasizing the need to combat falsehoods about the COVID-19 vaccines to protect public trust and safety.
- It's crucial to combat vaccine misinformation, as extensive research shows that psychological distress such as depression or anxiety is associated with vaccine hesitancy, but this reflects people's preexisting mental health status rather than vaccines causing these conditions.
- Public health authorities and scientific reviews maintain that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, with no established causal link to depression or suicidal ideation.
- In addition to combating vaccine misinformation, mental health is also an essential aspect in the workplace. Promoting workplace wellness, including fitness and exercise, and addressing mental health concerns can help create a healthy and safe environment for everyone.
