Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
August 11 , 2025
Atlanta - Following a shooting incident near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, President Trump has ordered the immediate deployment of National Guard troops to the facility. The move aims to bolster security for CDC staff and safeguard the nation’s supply of mRNA vaccines.
According to federal officials, the incident occurred early Monday afternoon outside a restricted perimeter near the CDC’s main campus. At least two people were injured, including a security contractor. Authorities have not yet released information on the suspect or motive, though investigators say there is no indication of broader coordinated attacks at this time.
In a late-night address, President Trump called the shooting “a wake-up call” and stated that the protection of public health institutions must be treated as a matter of national security.
“These men and women at the CDC are doing vital work,” said Trump. “We will not allow violence or threats to disrupt America’s medical research or vaccine supply.”
Roughly 600 National Guard troops were mobilized overnight and began arriving at the CDC by early Tuesday morning. Military personnel are now assisting with perimeter control, internal security, and the protection of vaccine storage units, which house millions of doses of mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
CDC Director Dr. Melanie Carr confirmed that operations at the facility continue as scheduled and that no laboratory assets were compromised in the incident. “We remain focused on our mission,” she said in a brief statement. “The safety of our team and the integrity of our work are our top priorities.”
Officials say additional federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, are conducting a joint investigation into the incident.
While some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the militarization of public health infrastructure, others have voiced support for the President’s swift response. The National Guard presence is expected to remain in place “until further notice,” according to a spokesperson from the Department of Defense.
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