STATEMENT ON THE AUGUST 8, 2025, ATTACK ON CDC

We call for the immediate resignation of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and OMB Director Russell Vought, one of the architects of Project 2025. The armed attack on CDC today, which claimed the life of a heroic police officer and left CDC workers devastated and traumatized, reflects the realization of Vought’s directive:

“When [federal workers] wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work, because they are increasingly viewed as the villains . . . . We want to put them in trauma.”

Kennedy is directly responsible for the villainization of CDC’s workforce through his continuous lies about science and vaccine safety, which have fueled a climate of hostility and mistrust.

The ongoing destruction of our public health infrastructure has destroyed the systems meant to prevent tragedies like this from happening. Cuts to CDC’s injury prevention center, including programs to reduce gun violence and support mental health, have put our country at greater risk.

We don't need thoughts and prayers. We need an administration that does not villainize federal workers who are just trying to do their job. We need a HHS Secretary who does not promote misinformation about science and vaccines.

To our public health colleagues, we are here for you, and we’re not letting this go.

Contact: info@firedbutfighting.org