Seven months after Atlanta CDC shooting, damaged windows remain boarded as custom replacements progress

Unrepaired windows keep visible damage on the CDC’s Atlanta campus months after a major gun attack

More than seven months after a gunman fired into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Roybal Campus in Atlanta, dozens of damaged windows across multiple buildings have not yet been permanently replaced. Staff raised the issue during an internal meeting this week, prompting senior leadership to tell employees that window replacement remains a priority and that permanent repairs are underway.

The shooting occurred on August 8, 2025, when a man fired more than 180 rounds at the campus, damaging roughly 150 windows. Bullets penetrated blast-resistant glass in some locations, sending shards into offices and workspaces. A police officer responding to the incident was killed; CDC employees were not reported injured inside the campus during the attack.

In the months since, some window openings have remained covered with temporary material rather than restored glazing. CDC officials told employees that replacement is not a simple swap: the damaged panes require custom fabrication, and installation schedules can be affected by weather conditions and site constraints.

Why repairs can be slow at secured federal facilities

Window replacement on high-security campuses typically involves several layers of planning beyond standard commercial repairs. Buildings may use specialized glazing systems designed for impact resistance and energy performance, and replacements often need to match existing frames, thickness, and security specifications. When damage is widespread, work can also require sequencing to maintain controlled access points and to keep sensitive work areas protected during construction.

CDC leadership indicated that replacement work began this month and described the project as on schedule. The agency has not publicly released a building-by-building repair timeline or a total cost estimate for the window replacement effort.

Operational and workplace impacts

The remaining boarded or papered-over openings have become a persistent reminder of the attack for some employees returning to on-site work. In addition to the psychological effect of visible damage, temporary coverings can complicate building maintenance and raise practical issues such as light control, indoor comfort, and long-term protection from the elements if not designed as a sustained solution.

The CDC has continued its mission-critical public health work throughout the repair period. The agency has not indicated that the unfinished window replacements have halted operations, but officials have acknowledged internally that the repairs are a priority item.

The August 2025 attack broke about 150 windows and involved more than 180 shots fired into multiple CDC buildings.

What happens next

• Custom window fabrication and phased installation are expected to continue as weather and site conditions allow.

• CDC management has told staff the permanent window project is in progress, with work starting this month.

• Further public details on completion dates and costs have not been released.

For now, visible signs of the August 2025 attack remain on parts of the Atlanta campus even as the agency moves forward with permanent replacements.