Public Health Leaders’ Joint Statement in Response to the Attack on CDC

(August 14, 2025) In response to the horrific shooting that occurred on Friday, August 8, targeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health community stands in solidarity with our CDC colleagues. We denounce acts of harassment, terror, and violence against the public health workforce.

Our hearts break for the family of police officer David Rose who lost his life protecting his community.

Two hundred bullets struck and caused damage to six federal buildings and over 500 rounds were fired at the CDC campus. We are saddened, alarmed, and deeply concerned about the health and safety of our colleagues. The shooting was an attack on an American workplace and on the people and infrastructure that keep us all healthy and safe.

We are committed to working together to support our nation’s dedicated public servants who comprise the public health workforce and call on others to do the same. It is critical to the health of all communities that CDC and all people working in public health across the country are able to continue to make their invaluable contributions to advancing health and well-being without the fear of harassment or violence.

People choosing public health as a profession are committed to advancing our nation’s health and recognize that good health in every community benefits everyone. It is our hope that all Americans will stand with us to support the vital role that CDC and the entire public health workforce play in supporting safety and well-being in every community. Their expertise and commitment to advancing health deserves all Americans’ unwavering support.

CSTE media contacts:  Amy Heldman (AHeldman@cste.org) and Matt Cone (MCone@cste.org) 

American Public Health Association

Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs

Association of Public Health Nurses

Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

Association of State and Territorial Public Health Social Workers

Association of Public Health Laboratories

Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health

Big Cities Health Coalition

CDC Foundation

Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists

de Beaumont Foundation

National Association of Chronic Disease Directors

National Association of County and City Health Officials

National Network of Public Health Institutes

Prevention Institute

Public Health Accreditation Board

Safe States Alliance

The Kresge Foundation

Trust for America’s Health