HHS Secretary Kennedy Visits CDC After Atlanta Shooting | CDC Newsroom

August 11, 2025

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Made a visit to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta following a tragic shooting incident on Friday that resulted in the death of DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose. The visit underscored the federal government’s support for the CDC and its personnel in the wake of the attack.

During his visit, Secretary Kennedy toured the Roybal Campus, observing damage including shattered windows across multiple buildings and the main guard booth. He was accompanied by CDC Director Susan Monarez and Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill. The tour provided a firsthand gaze at the impact of the shooting on the CDC’s facilities.

Beyond the CDC campus, Secretary Kennedy also met with DeKalb County Police Chief Greg Padrick at the Police Department headquarters. A private meeting was held with the widow of Officer Rose, where Secretary Kennedy expressed his deepest condolences and affirmed the agency’s commitment to honoring Officer Rose’s sacrifice.

Secretary Kennedy shared his sentiments publicly via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at CDC’s Atlanta campus that took the life of officer David Rose. We stand with his wife and three children and the entire CDC family.” The post can be found here.

The HHS is currently providing support to CDC personnel and their families. Most staff assigned to the Roybal Campus are teleworking this week, and enhanced safety and security measures are being implemented before their return to the facility.

Ongoing Support and Security Enhancements

The immediate priority is the well-being of CDC staff. The decision to allow most personnel to telework was made to provide them with time to process the traumatic event and ensure their safety. The CDC is working to implement additional security protocols to prevent future incidents and create a safer perform environment. Details of these measures have not yet been released, but officials have indicated a comprehensive review of security procedures is underway.

The Role of the DeKalb County Police Department

Officer David Rose, a member of the DeKalb County Police Department, was providing security at the CDC campus when he was fatally shot. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from both the local community and federal agencies. The DeKalb County Police Department is leading the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from federal law enforcement agencies. More information about the DeKalb County Police Department can be found on their official website.

CDC’s Commitment to Public Health

Despite the tragic events, the CDC remains committed to its mission of protecting public health and safety. The agency continues to monitor and respond to health threats, conduct research, and provide guidance to state and local health departments. The temporary disruption to operations at the Roybal Campus is not expected to significantly impact the CDC’s ability to carry out its core functions.

Looking Ahead: Security Reviews and Support Services

The CDC and HHS are committed to a thorough review of security protocols at all CDC facilities. This review will assess current security measures, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend improvements to enhance the safety of staff and visitors. In addition to security enhancements, the CDC is also providing counseling and support services to employees who were affected by the shooting. These services are available to all CDC staff, regardless of whether they were directly involved in the incident.