Though law enforcement has not officially announced a motive behind the attack, for many in public health, the shooting seemed to vindicate their long-running fears that the backlash to their work during the coronavirus pandemic could turn deadly.

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​.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has visited the CDC headquarters in Atlanta where a police officer was killed in a shooting that is believed to have targeted the national public health agency.