Police Believe CDC Shooter Thought COVID Vaccine Made Him Sick: Report

Source: Newsweek

Published Aug 08, 2025 at 8:34 PM EDT | Updated Aug 08, 2025 at 8:14 PM EDT


The shooter in the deadly gunfire near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters on Friday thought he was sick from the COVID vaccine, a law enforcement source told CNN. Police are operating under this theory, the outlet reported.

Why It Matters

There have been several high-profile shootings this year, including a fatal one in April on the campus of Florida State University.

Friday's was the second shooting in Georgia that made headlines in less than a week. On Wednesday, an Army sergeant opened fire on his own unit at the Fort Stewart military base, authorities said.

What To Know

CNN reported that police are operating under the reported theory regarding the COVID vaccine after speaking with the shooter's family Friday night. The outlet also cited a law enforcement official who was on the scene as saying the shooter was wearing something that looked like a surgical mask. CNN's source said the shooter had multiple rounds of magazines with him and was wearing ear protection.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/police-believe-cdc-shooter-thought-covid-vaccine-made-him-sick-report-2111117