Former Democratic primary challenger, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the new Health Secretary, made headlines this week as his whirlwind return to controversy involved this in the wake of a shooting that was just reported near C.D.C. The shooting, which occurred on Friday around 4:50 p.m., sent shockwaves through the public health community, prompting an outpouring of reactions from various health officials and Kennedy himself.
Late Saturday morning, Kennedy posted images on social media showing him fishing with the Alaska Native leaders. This decision raised a significant outcry. An initial version of this article incorrectly stated that these photos were taken with his family. On August 10, 2025, the publication released a correction on this bad faith misrepresentation.
In the wake of the shooting, internet commentators were calling it the biggest domestic attack on a federal installation in history. Kennedy moved. He then sent a letter to all employees of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the C.D.C. In this short letter, he managed to cover the moral, emotional, and psychological toll that public servants go through as part of their work. He crafted his remarks under a tsunami of criticism. He has denounced the C.D.C. in the past as a “cesspool of corruption” and a “fascist enterprise.”
In the aftermath of this tragedy, Kennedy offered his thoughts to the dedicated employees of the C.D.C. in a post on his verified X account. He made a promise to support their well-being, addressing the emotional impact the shooting has had on their team.
“I am feeling very angry and very sad for my colleagues that are still at C.D.C.” – Dr. Fiona Havers
Dr. Fiona Havers, a prominent figure at the C.D.C., echoed this sentiment, expressing her anger and sadness for those affected by the violence. If you reanimate her comments, you hear her concern about the seriousness of the case, particularly as it was the most serious attack on a federal institution.
“This was a major attack on a federal facility.” – Dr. Fiona Havers
The recently released incident has elicited blistering responses from many public health officials. Dr. Anne Zink conveyed her heartbreak and anger over the shooting, noting that she was not surprised by such violence in today’s climate.
“I am heartbroken, angry and somehow not surprised.” – Dr. Anne Zink
Dr. Celine Gounder offered additional perspective on the topic. She described the dangerous convergence of disinformation and political violence, and how the relationship is growing increasingly terrifying.
“The intersection of disinformation, conspiracy theories and political violence is getting scarier by the day.” – Dr. Celine Gounder
While Kennedy was not directly involved in the shooting, his actions and statements have drawn attention amid ongoing tensions surrounding public health discourse in America. Just as he appears to be steering the nation through this chaotic moment, so too will his leadership be judged—both on substance and on timing.
