Federal authorities have launched an investigation into Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding an alleged incident involving a whale's head that occurred approximately two decades ago. The former independent presidential candidate revealed this information while campaigning for Donald Trump near Phoenix on September 14, 2024.
The incident in question came to light following a resurfaced 2012 interview with Kennedy's daughter, Kathleen. In the interview, she recounted a peculiar family experience from her childhood:
"Every time we accelerated on the highway, whale juice would pour into the windows of the car, and it was the rankest thing on the planet. We all had plastic bags over our heads with mouth holes cut out, and people on the highway were giving us the finger, but that was just normal day-to-day stuff for us."
The National Marine Fisheries Service, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), confirmed the ongoing investigation on September 16, 2024. However, they declined to provide further details, citing a policy against commenting on open cases.
It's worth noting that the Marine Mammal Protection Act, enacted in 1972, and the Endangered Species Act, passed in 1973, both provide protection for whales in U.S. waters. These laws make it illegal to take or possess any part of a marine mammal without proper authorization. Violations can result in significant penalties, with the Marine Mammal Protection Act carrying a maximum civil penalty of $28,520 per violation, and the Endangered Species Act potentially leading to criminal penalties of up to $50,000 and one year in prison.
Kennedy addressed the investigation during his appearance in Glendale, Arizona, a city located about 9 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. He stated that he had received a letter regarding the investigation into his alleged collection of a whale specimen 20 years ago. Without confirming or denying the incident, Kennedy suggested that the statute of limitations for bringing charges had expired. It's important to note that the statute of limitations for most federal crimes is five years.
When questioned by reporters following his appearance, Kennedy repeatedly declined to provide additional information about the investigation, dismissing it as "gossipy nonsense" and expressing his disinterest in "feeding that feature of the mainstream media."
This incident is not the only unusual episode involving Kennedy and deceased animals. Last month, he claimed to have once placed a bear carcass, which had been killed by a motorist, in New York's Central Park with a bicycle on top. This act reportedly sparked a mystery that captivated the city about a decade ago. It's important to note that abandoning animal carcasses in public places is illegal in New York City.
As the son of former U.S. Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has maintained a high profile in American politics. He recently ran as an independent candidate in the 2024 U.S. presidential election before endorsing Donald Trump.
While the investigation into the whale head incident continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of marine mammal protection and the potential consequences of violating environmental laws. Whale watching has become a popular tourist activity, with over 13 million people participating worldwide each year, highlighting the public's growing interest in the conservation of these magnificent creatures.