A disturbing incident unfolded at the United Nations headquarters in New York on September 26, 2025. Around 2 p.m., Sara Kennedy, a senior advisor to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was assaulted by a protester, as New York Post reports. This unprovoked attack raises serious safety concerns.
Sara Kennedy, unrelated to her boss at HHS, was targeted by Patricia Schuh, 62. Schuh allegedly shined a bright light in Kennedy’s face while shouting “Free Palestine!” and pro-LGBT rhetoric. The aggression quickly escalated into a dangerous pursuit across the UN lobby.
Kennedy fled to a bathroom, seeking refuge in a stall to escape Schuh. Undeterred, Schuh followed and scratched Kennedy’s right eye, possibly with a phone or jewelry. Such relentless hostility in a venue meant for diplomacy is deeply alarming.
During the chase, Schuh was reportedly filming Kennedy on her phone. This suggests a premeditated intent to harass or document the confrontation. Emergency Medical Services treated Kennedy at the scene, though she declined hospital care.
The assault occurred while RFK Jr. was at the UN on 45th Street. He attended a meeting focused on preventing noncommunicable diseases that day. The incident casts a shadow over what should have been a productive diplomatic engagement.
Schuh now faces charges of assault and harassment for her actions. She was arraigned on September 27, 2025, and released, as the charges weren’t bail-eligible, per a spokeswoman for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Justice must still hold firm in such cases.
This attack coincides with heightened tensions at the UN during its 80th General Assembly session. Since September 9, 2025, near-daily pro-Palestinian protests have marked the event. The atmosphere has grown increasingly volatile with each passing day.
Just days before, on September 24, 2025, about 60 protesters were arrested near the UN. Over 150 demonstrators participated, brandishing signs like “Abolish Israel” in a display of raw animosity. Such fervor often spills over into dangerous encounters like Kennedy’s.
On September 27, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly. His presence likely fueled the already charged environment of dissent. Yet, personal violence against individuals like Kennedy crosses a line no cause can justify.
A statement from RFK Jr.’s office underscored the gravity of the ordeal.
“Harrowing assault … at the hands of a pro-Hamas leftist radical at the United Nations.” - A spokesman for RFK Jr.’s office, in a statement.
While the rhetoric of radical activism may energize some, it’s telling that it often ends in violence. Shouldn’t the UN, of all places, be a sanctuary from such chaos? This incident reveals a troubling failure to maintain basic civility.
The broader context of these protests shows a pattern of escalating unrest. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have dominated the UN session, often veering into hostility. Law enforcement faces an uphill battle to ensure safety amid such ideological fervor.
Schuh, when contacted, declined to comment on her legal situation. Her silence leaves unanswered questions about motive and accountability. Authorities must ensure this case sets a precedent against personal attacks disguised as protest.
As tensions simmer at the UN, the safety of staff and officials hangs in the balance. One wonders if progressive causes, often cloaked in moral superiority, recognize the irony of harming individuals in their pursuit. Stronger security protocols seem urgently needed.
Ultimately, Sara Kennedy’s assault on September 26, 2025, is a stark reminder of unchecked activism’s dangers. While free expression matters, violence undermines any message. It’s time for a reckoning on how far dissent can go before it becomes destruction.
