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.

Adams, who served as surgeon general during the first Trump administration, said Kennedy's assertions about the efficacy of mRNA vaccines are "simply not true."

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced that his department will end funding for a series of mRNA-based vaccines aimed at preventing major respiratory illnesses.