To the editor:

I read with dismay about the shooting that took place at the CDC in Atlanta last week.

I spent over 30 years in public health, of which the last seven were at the CDC. Efforts to improve the public’s health and prevent serious disease outbreaks build upon two primary activities: generating accurate scientific evidence to understand health risks (1), and then communicating ways to mitigate those health risks to the general public (2). This administration has undermined both efforts by challenging proven and time-tested science behind vaccine safety, cutting edge genetic research and environmental health risks, among many others. It has reframed public health as a weapon to sow fear and distrust among the general population, of whom a segment will take their words seriously enough to take it upon themselves to commit acts of violence to others.

Though the shooter in this most recent episode is himself dead and cannot come to trial for the murder of the county sheriff, I propose charging Robert Kennedy Jr. instead as an accomplice. His trail of lies and misinformation, leading to fear and distrust of public health professionals, appears directly linked to the actions of the shooter. I feel it is time that he is held accountable for his wildly inaccurate and misleading statements and actions, many of which undercut the health of the nation he is responsible for maintaining.

Michael H. Fox,

Lawrence