The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta observed a somber anniversary on Friday, August 7, 2026, marking one year since a gunman opened fire at the facility and killed a security guard.
Staff members gathered to remember the victim of the August 7, 2025 shooting that claimed the life of the security guard during the attack on the federal health agency's Atlanta campus.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to the CDC facility to participate in the memorial observance. His presence at the event underscored the significance of honoring the fallen security guard who died protecting the institution.
The shooting one year ago represented a violent breach of security at one of the nation's premier public health institutions. The CDC, headquartered in Atlanta, serves as the leading national public health institute in the United States and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to protecting Americans from health threats.
Security guards at federal facilities play a critical role in maintaining safety for employees and visitors. The loss of the guard in last year's attack highlighted the risks faced by those who serve on the front lines of facility protection.
The memorial service provided an opportunity for CDC staff to reflect on the tragedy and honor the sacrifice of the security guard who lost his life in the line of duty.
