A left-wing environmental group is attempting to have Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. prosecuted for transporting part of a whale carcass across state lines in 2012. The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund referenced a 2012 interview with Kennedy’s daughter, Kick Kennedy, in which she described her father cutting the head off a dead whale and strapping it to the roof of their vehicle before driving from Massachusetts to New York. The group claims that the whale was protected by the Marine Mammal Protection and Endangered Species Acts, making it illegal to possess any part of it. They also allege that Kennedy may have violated the 1900 Lacey Act, which prohibits the transportation of wildlife that was reduced to possession in violation of any regulation or law.
Kennedy did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the situation. Kick Kennedy recalled in the interview how her father heard about a dead whale on the shore of Squaw Island and removed its head with a chainsaw to study it. She described the experience of driving with the whale head strapped to the car’s roof as messy and unpleasant. The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund has called on Kennedy to surrender any animal remains he may have in his possession and has asked the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to investigate the incident.
In the resurfaced story, the environmental group highlights the potential legal violations committed by Kennedy by transporting the whale carcass across state lines. The group has not confirmed whether they have reached out to law enforcement about the matter. The letter to NOAA calls for a formal investigation into the incident, citing concerns about the potential violation of wildlife protection laws. The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund is the political action wing of the Center for Biological Diversity and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race.
The resurfaced story involving Kennedy transporting a whale carcass comes just days after he withdrew from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed former President Donald Trump. The endorsement of Harris by the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund demonstrates their commitment to electing climate champions who prioritize environmental issues. The group believes that the 2024 election is crucial for the future of the environment and is working with progressive partners to support candidates who align with their environmental goals. Kennedy’s decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Trump has caused a stir in political and environmental circles, with the resurfaced story adding fuel to the controversy.
