A decades-old incident involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a dead whale has resurfaced, prompting a federal investigation.
According to Fox News Digital, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has opened an inquiry into allegations that Kennedy decapitated a dead whale approximately 20 years ago.
The investigation stems from a resurfaced 2012 interview with Kennedy's daughter, Kick Kennedy. The story came to light when the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund called for an investigation in August, shortly after Kennedy suspended his presidential campaign. The group claims that Kennedy's alleged actions may have violated the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, both of which protect whales.
According to the resurfaced interview, Kick Kennedy described an incident where her father allegedly used a chainsaw to remove a dead whale's head. The story suggests that Kennedy then attached the whale's head to his car and drove it to New York.
Kick Kennedy's account of the event portrayed it as a typical day for her family. She described a vivid scene of the family driving on the highway with the whale head, using plastic bags with mouth holes to protect themselves from the odor.
The incident, as described by Kick Kennedy, paints a picture of an unconventional family outing that has now caught the attention of federal authorities. The NOAA has not provided specific details about the investigation, citing their policy of not commenting on open cases.
The NOAA confirmed to Fox News Digital that an investigation into the alleged incident is ongoing. However, the agency maintained its standard practice of not providing comments on active investigations.
Kennedy himself brought attention to the investigation during a campaign event for former President Donald Trump on Saturday. He characterized the probe as a "weaponization of our government against political opponents," suggesting that the timing of the investigation may be politically motivated.
The investigation comes at a time when Kennedy has transitioned from being a presidential candidate to a Trump ally, adding a political dimension to the environmental inquiry.
The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund played a significant role in initiating the investigation. The group, which has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race, called on NOAA to look into the incident shortly after Kennedy suspended his presidential bid.
Their request for an investigation is based on the premise that Kennedy's alleged actions may have violated federal laws protecting marine mammals. The group's involvement highlights the intersection of environmental concerns and political dynamics in this case.
The timing of the investigation request, coming shortly after Kennedy's campaign suspension and endorsement of Trump, has raised questions about potential political motivations behind the probe.
The federal investigation into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s alleged whale decapitation incident from two decades ago has brought a unique environmental case into the political spotlight. The NOAA is conducting an inquiry based on a story shared by Kennedy's daughter in a 2012 interview. Kennedy viewed the investigation as politically motivated, while environmental groups argued it was a matter of legal compliance. The case highlights the complex interplay between environmental regulations, political careers, and long-past events in contemporary public discourse.
