In solidarity after the CDC Roybal Shooting

To our CDC colleagues, 

We are heartbroken and outraged by the traumatic violence that unfolded yesterday afternoon at CDC’s Roybal Campus, in which DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was killed in the line of duty while courageously protecting his community and saving lives. We honor his service and will forever remain deeply indebted to his family for his heroism.  

This tragedy was not random and it compounds months of mistreatment, neglect, and vilification that CDC staff have endured. The deliberate targeting of CDC through this violent act is deeply disturbing, completely unacceptable, and an attack on every public servant. Early reports indicate the gunman was motivated by vaccine disinformation, which continues to pose a dangerous threat to public health and safety.  

Some of you were trapped in various buildings throughout campus well into the late evening hours, including the 90+ children locked down inside CDC's Clifton School. Those of us not directly part of the lockdowns watched in fear for our colleagues as the events unfolded. The terror, the uncertainty, and the trauma of what happened, as well as what could have happened, are still very present. Trauma doesn’t end once the lockdown is lifted. 

 AFGE Local 2883 stands with you. We see your fear, anger, and exhaustion. We share it. 

We are here to defend each other through concrete and comprehensive action. This attack violated our collective safety. We will not accept this as “business as usual,” and temporary fixes won't cut it. You deserve more. 

Many of you are probably asking—what happens next and what will be done? We are, too.

We promise this: AFGE Local 2883 will not stop fighting for your safety, your dignity, and your healing.  

We are committed to advocating for: 

• Flexible leave, expanded telework, and remote options for those who need time to process and heal, while not forcing those who still feel unsafe back into the office before they’re ready. 

  
  

• Safe and delayed return to the office. Staff should not be required to return to the office until the windows and buildings are fixed and completely secure. Staff should not be required to work next to bullet holes. Forcing a return under these conditions risks re-traumatizing staff by exposing them to the reminders of the horrific shooting they endured. A safe and psychologically supportive workspace must be prioritized before resuming in-person work. 

  
  

• Fair and comprehensive telework policies across all CDC campuses and divisions, recognizing that the threat and fear extend beyond one campus. 

  
  

• Access to trauma-informed mental health resources. CDC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), while a valuable resource, is understaffed and intended for short-term assistance only. CDC staff need access to meaningful, ongoing care. 

  
  

• A clear and unequivocal stance in condemning vaccine disinformation by CDC and HHS leadership. Their leadership is critical in reinforcing public trust and ensuring that accurate, science-based information prevails. This condemnation is necessary to help prevent violence against scientists that may be incited by such disinformation. 

  
  

• Perimeter security on all campuses until a full investigation is completed and findings are shared transparently with staff. 

  
  

• Complete transparency around building repairs, reopening timelines, and safety upgrades. 

  
  

• A seat at the table for 2883 when decisions are being made about employee safety.  As CDC employees ourselves, we can represent the voices and concerns of affected employees.  

• Clear, compassionate communication from leadership, with space for staff to voice their thoughts, concerns, and experiences. 

• Congressional action to end the reckless politicization of federal employees and hold leaders accountable for rhetoric that incites hostility and vilifies public servants. 

• Congressional support to provide dedicated funding for workplace safety upgrades and comprehensive trauma recovery programs for federal workers. 

This list is not complete. If there’s something you need, something we’ve missed, or something you want to see prioritized, please tell us. Your voice matters, and we are listening. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us by emailing: info@afge2883ga.org or completing this anonymous form. 

We will be replacing our regular monthly union meeting with a space for collective support. A licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in immediate response after mass violence and shootings will be present to guide and support. This space is open to all who need a moment to process, reflect, or simply be in community. We will send out details and meeting link soon. 

Please be aware of some of the immediate resources available to you, such as: 

• National Mass Violence Center’s (NMVC) free self-help app, Transcend NMVC, is available free on Apple and Android 

• NMVC’s Virtual Resiliency Center 

• NMVC’s Twelve Self-Help Tips for Coping in the Aftermath of Mass Violence Incidents 

• NMVC’s Trauma Cues Related to Mass Violence Incidents 

• SAMHSA’s Coping with Grief After a Disaster or Traumatic Event 

• SAMHSA’s Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event 

• SAMHSA’s Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event 

• NMVC’s How to Identify an Experienced Trauma-Focused Therapist 

• Recovery in the Aftermath of Workplace Violence: Guidance for Workers 

• Mental Health America’s Coping with Gun Violence 

• American Psychological Association’s Managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting 

• Everytown Survivor Network’s Resources for Victims and Survivors of Gun Violence 

• Sandy Hook Promise’s Help for Victims and Survivors of Gun Violence 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• The 988 mental health hotline: free, confidential support 24/7 via call, text, or chat 

We are working to provide additional resources as soon as we can. 

In solidarity and community, 

AFGE Local 2883