RFK Jr. Joins CDC Staff in Remembering Officer Killed in Atlanta Shooting One Year On

A year after a gunman opened fire at

A year after a gunman opened fire at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the agency paused to honor the life of the officer who died. On the anniversary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, visited the campus to pay his respects alongside staff members.

The attack on May 3, 2023, left Officer Richard Smith of the Atlanta Police Department dead after he exchanged gunfire with the suspect near CDC headquarters. The shooter, who was later identified as a 22-year-old man from the area, was also killed in the confrontation. No other injuries were reported, but the incident sent shockwaves through the federal agency and the surrounding community.

During his visit, Kennedy laid a wreath at a memorial plaque dedicated to Officer Smith and met privately with his family and colleagues. In brief remarks, he acknowledged the bravery of law enforcement and the lasting impact of the tragedy on the CDC workforce, calling the officer a "true hero" whose sacrifice would not be forgotten.

CDC staff, many of whom had worked from

CDC staff, many of whom had worked from home during the pandemic, returned to a heightened security presence in the months following the shooting. The agency has since implemented additional safety measures, including improved access controls and more visible patrols, while continuing to honor Smith's memory through an annual moment of silence.

For those who worked alongside Officer Smith, the anniversary is a stark reminder of the risks faced by first responders. One longtime employee, who asked not to be named, described the day as "a blur of sirens and fear," but noted that the collective grief has brought the CDC community closer together.

Kennedy's presence, while symbolic, also highlighted the often-overlooked role of federal health agencies in local security matters. As the visit concluded, he expressed hope that the healing process would continue, saying that the agency's mission—to protect the nation's health—would remain as steadfast as the memory of the fallen officer.