Approximately 150 individuals gathered in Midtown Atlanta for the Sound Science Saves Lives rally, protesting the Trump administration’s anti-science actions, including mass firings and funding cuts to public health agencies. The rally occurred after a shooting at the CDC office in Emory Pointe, which left a police officer dead; many attendees linked the violence to anti-vaccine and anti-science rhetoric from Trump and his allies.
State Sen. Josh McLaurin (D-Sandy Springs) characterized the shooting as driven by misinformation surrounding vaccines, labeling it a consequence of “stochastic terrorism” that incites violence through dehumanizing discourse. Former CDC employee Aryn Backus emphasized the need for politicians to humanize scientists, while State Sen. Jason Esteves (D-Atlanta) called for accountability among state leaders and urged voters to participate in upcoming elections.
Former CDC director Patrick Breysse highlighted the detrimental impact of funding cuts on public health, warning that they harm essential services like water safety testing. He emphasized the urgent need for public anger and action against the mistreatment of dedicated public health professionals.
