Kennedy has been a leading voice in spreading false information about vaccines, scientists and public health leaders, often using heated rhetoric that says they have caused mass death and injury. People he describes in such language have said his comments have led to threats, intimidation and even violence.

Four CDC workers, who were not authorized to speak publicly, told CBS News under the condition of anonymity that they were "deeply disappointed and frustrated" by an apparent lack of leadership following Friday's shooting​.

The suspected gunman in the shooting of a police officer at the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta on Friday has been identified as Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw, Georgia.