Recently, I received complaints about my post regarding the tragic shooting at the CDC. After reflecting on what I wrote, I acknowledge that my language was crude, insensitive, and, in parts, poorly considered—especially given that the incident claimed the life of an innocent police officer, Officer Rose.

My words failed to convey the compassion and gravity this tragedy deserves. For that, I want to offer a sincere apology to the officer’s family, friends, colleagues, and to anyone who was hurt or offended by my earlier comments.

My original intent was to draw attention to the broader context of what may have led to this violent act, not to minimize the humanity of those affected. In doing so, I failed to frame my point with the care such a sensitive topic requires. I’d like to re-express my perspective more clearly and respectfully, particularly for those who were confused or upset by my earlier post.

Patrick White was a deeply troubled and mentally ill man. While the exact path that led him to the CDC that day is complex, it is clear that his mental state played a major role in his actions.

But I believe there is also an indirect political dimension worth examining—specifically the role of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

RFK Jr. is a man with no formal education or professional experience in medicine, biochemistry, or biology. Despite lacking a scientific background, he has long been an outspoken critic of vaccines, particularly mRNA technology.

Against the advice of the overwhelming majority of medical and scientific experts, he recently moved to completely ban government research into mRNA vaccines.

This decision was not based on new peer-reviewed evidence or comprehensive safety analysis—it appears to have been driven by personal conviction and distrust, rather than informed scientific reasoning. In banning further research, RFK Jr. did not create greater safety or public clarity; instead, he risked fueling misinformation and paranoia.

In the mind of someone like Patrick White—already struggling with serious mental illness—such a ban could be interpreted as validation. If the highest-ranking health official in the country effectively declares, through his actions, that mRNA vaccines are dangerous, that may reinforce a distorted and harmful belief system. For Patrick White, that belief appears to have escalated into a violent fixation and ultimately the decision to attack the CDC.

This does not absolve Patrick White of personal responsibility for his actions. Nor does it make RFK Jr. legally culpable. But in my view, it illustrates how fear, ignorance, and misuse of authority can create unintended and devastating consequences. The intersection of political rhetoric, public health policy, and mental instability can be volatile—and in this case, it may have contributed to the death of Officer Rose.

I hope this explanation makes my point clearer, without the hurtful tone of my original post. This tragedy should remind us all of the power—and the responsibility—that comes with words and actions in positions of influence.