US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr is going viral on social media for picking up a pair of writhing, presumably mating snakes with his bare hands. Sharing a video, RFK Jr said that he was helping his colleague, Dr Mehmet Oz, in Florida, remove the reptiles from his beach house. The video has triggered a mix of amusement, disbelief and concern from people online.<h2>"Why"</h2>The clip, posted by Kennedy himself on social media Tuesday, shows him approaching two black racer snakes slithering across a patio before crouching down and grabbing them by hand, all while barefoot and smiling for the camera. "Cheryl cheerleads the removal of a pair of Black Racers from Dr Oz’s patio," Kennedy wrote in the caption, referring to his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. In the background, a visibly nervous woman can be heard repeatedly saying, "Bobby, please," while another voice asks, "Why?"Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-the-tower-of-babel-and-why-did-pope-leo-warn-about-it-while-talking-about-ai-wion-decodes-1779790151646">Pope Leo warns humanity risks repeating ancient mistake: What is the Tower of Babel and what does it have to do with AI?</a>At one point, the snakes appear to bite Kennedy as he lifts them toward the camera, though he continues grinning throughout the encounter. The video triggered a mixed reaction from netizens. “A snake oil salesman removing snakes. Oh, the irony,” said one, while another shared the tale of Hermes' caduceus and said, "He's recreating mythology ya'll relax". Watch the video here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 72, stuns the internet after fearlessly picking up two mating snakes with his bare hands<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RFK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RFK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/snakes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#snakes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/encounter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#encounter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/feraless?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#feraless</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/viral?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#viral</a> <a href="https://t.co/94200pDIwO">pic.twitter.com/94200pDIwO</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2059307428538429695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>"Resist the urge to pick it up"</h2>The reptiles involved appear to be black racers, a non-venomous snake species common in Florida. According to the US National Park Service, black racers are generally harmless to humans if left undisturbed. However, the viral moment is a quick reminder to people not to imitate the stunt.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently warned residents that snakes become more active during spring and should be observed from a safe distance. "Resist the urge to pick it up — even our nonvenomous snakes can give a solid bite," the agency said in a recent advisory.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mv-harbour-phoenix-case-10-indian-sailors-to-come-home-after-10-months-in-iran-detention-1779858312528">MV Harbour Phoenix case: 10 Indian sailors to come home after 10 months in Iran detention</a><h2>RFK Jr's troubled history with animals</h2>The video is only the latest addition to Kennedy’s long history of unusual animal-related stories that have repeatedly generated headlines.Earlier this year, during a congressional hearing, Kennedy faced questions over reports claiming he once cut off the genitals of a dead raccoon for research purposes. He also came under fire in 2023 after environmental activists criticised his own account of using a chainsaw to decapitate a dead whale and transport part of it home on top of his vehicle.

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr is facing backlash after posting a bizarre video of himself grabbing live snakes with his bare hands. The stunt has revived scrutiny over his long history of controversial animal encounters. What exactly happened in the viral clip? Scroll down to see.

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr is going viral on social media for picking up a pair of writhing, presumably mating snakes with his bare hands. Sharing a video, RFK Jr said that he was helping his colleague, Dr Mehmet Oz, in Florida, remove the reptiles from his beach house. The video has triggered a mix of amusement, disbelief and concern from people online. "Why" The clip, posted by Kennedy himself on social media Tuesday, shows him approaching two black racer snakes slithering across a patio before crouching down and grabbing them by hand, all while barefoot and smiling for the camera. "Cheryl cheerleads the removal of a pair of Black Racers from Dr Oz’s patio," Kennedy wrote in the caption, referring to his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. In the background, a visibly nervous woman can be heard repeatedly saying, "Bobby, please," while another voice asks, "Why?" Also read | Pope Leo warns humanity risks repeating ancient mistake: What is the Tower of Babel and what does it have to do with AI? At one point, the snakes appear to bite Kennedy as he lifts them toward the camera, though he continues grinning throughout the encounter. The video triggered a mixed reaction from netizens. “A snake oil salesman removing snakes. Oh, the irony,” said one, while another shared the tale of Hermes' caduceus and said, "He's recreating mythology ya'll relax". Watch the video here:

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr is facing backlash after posting a bizarre video of himself grabbing live snakes with his bare hands. The stunt has revived scrutiny over his long history of controversial animal encounters. What exactly happened in the viral clip? Scroll down to see.

‘Snake oil salesman removing snakes’: RFK Jr shares video grabbing live snakes with bare hands, sparks backlash

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ignited fresh controversy after openly recounting his past cocaine and heroin use during a podcast appearance

He has spoken before about his struggles with addiction. In 1983, he was arrested for heroin possession in South Dakota. He has said that after his second arrest, he became sober and has stayed in recovery since then.

During the interview, he also explained that he continued going to in-person recovery meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic instead of attending virtually. His comments have sparked debate and strong reactions from the public.

RFK Jr Sparks Controversy After Revealing Past Cocaine and Heroin Use on Podcast

The assassination files of Senator Robert F Kennedy have been made public, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announces. The data from the 1968 assassination plot has been published by the National Archives. This comes after US President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14176.
It is according to the land's law that the regime thinks it is their responsibility to release records to the people of America.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trump-to-blame-lab-animals-at-harvard-may-be-euthanised-due-to-us-funding-freeze-8976437">Is Trump to blame? Lab animals at Harvard may be euthanised due to US funding freeze</a>
 News outlet, The Daily Wire, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, said, &ldquo;Today is a big day."
She added, &ldquo;It is the first time the country will be able to see the documents that have been sitting here, at the National Archives records agency, around the assassination of Senator Robert F Kennedy. These are boxes that have been here, in storage, never scanned before, never reviewed by the public before."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/signal-chat-leak-tulsi-gabbard-calls-it-a-mistake-says-in-depth-review-is-ongoing-to-probe-how-it-happened-8893813">Signal chat leak: Tulsi Gabbard calls it a 'mistake', says 'in-depth review' is ongoing to probe how it happened</a>
&ldquo;Thanks to President Trump&rsquo;s leadership, and his executive order mandating maximum transparency, we have had well over a hundred people who have been working around the clock, going page by page, scanning them in, going through these reviews&hellip;all to lead us to this day, where the 10,000 pages that have been sitting here are now going to be available online," Gabbard said. 
Gabbard said there are a lot of theories floating and with there are enough and more questions surrounding on these assassinations.
&ldquo;People will find in the release today, there is no &lsquo;smoking gun,&rsquo; but there are a lot of things that have not been previously known that really call into question what really happened &mdash; and who was behind it, which includes conversations that were happening in other countries, and messages that were going around about the assassination itself," Gabbard explained
&nbsp;

The assassination files of Senator Robert F Kennedy have been made public, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announces. World

The assassination files of Senator Robert F Kennedy have been made public, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announces. The data from the 1968 assassination plot has been published by the National Archives. This comes after US President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14176. It is according to the land's law that the regime thinks it is their responsibility to release records to the people of America. Also read: Is Trump to blame? Lab animals at Harvard may be euthanised due to US funding freeze News outlet, The Daily Wire, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, said, “Today is a big day." She added, “It is the first time the country will be able to see the documents that have been sitting here, at the National Archives records agency, around the assassination of Senator Robert F Kennedy. These are boxes that have been here, in storage, never scanned before, never reviewed by the public before." Also read: Signal chat leak: Tulsi Gabbard calls it a 'mistake', says 'in-depth review' is ongoing to probe how it happened “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, and his executive order mandating maximum transparency, we have had well over a hundred people who have been working around the clock, going page by page, scanning them in, going through these reviews…all to lead us to this day, where the 10,000 pages that have been sitting here are now going to be available online," Gabbard said. Gabbard said there are a lot of theories floating and with there are enough and more questions surrounding on these assassinations. “People will find in the release today, there is no ‘smoking gun,’ but there are a lot of things that have not been previously known that really call into question what really happened — and who was behind it, which includes conversations that were happening in other countries, and messages that were going around about the assassination itself," Gabbard explained

BIG Revelations | US releases 10,000-pager Robert F Kennedy assassination files

#GRAVITAS | Another child had died from Measles as America battles its worst outbreak in over 30 years. In the latest, the U.S. Secretary of health and human services met with the parents of the deceased. Once an anti-vaxxer, he has now advocated for MMR vaccines to limit outbreak. Watch this report to find out more.

Robert F Kennedy Jr meets parents of deceased children, endorses MMR vaccine

Ethel Kennedy, a long-time human rights advocate who endured a series of tragedies that included the assassination of her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, and the untimely deaths of two of their 11 children, died on Thursday (October 10) at the age of 96, her grandson Joseph Kennedy III said in a social media post."

It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week," Kennedy said in a post on X.

Kennedy, who was a devout Catholic, sought to carry on her husband's works with the founding of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights center.

She was the mother of former independent presidential candidate and anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently broke from his family's traditional Democratic affiliation to endorse Donald Trump.

Ethel had been by her husband's side throughout his career and was beside him when he lay in a hotel kitchen in 1968, mortally wounded by an assassin's bullet.

Ethel Skakel was introduced to Robert, or "Bobby," by her Manhattanville College classmate - Kennedy's sister Jean - in 1945 on a ski trip.

Kennedy was dating Ethel's sister at the time but later took up with her.

They married in 1950 and Ethel proved to be a good fit for the Kennedy clan. Like the Kennedys, her family was wealthy, Catholic and boisterous - although Republican.

By 1956 Ethel and Robert were expecting their fifth child and needed a bigger home. Robert's brother, president-to-be John F. Kennedy, sold them Hickory Hill, a 13-bedroom mansion outside Washington in McLean, Virginia, that would become an annexe of the romanticised "Camelot" era of the Kennedy presidency. Hickory Hill served as a town hall, intellectual salon, and zoo, as well as the scene of many touch football games.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiBxPTh4IWJAxUgSGwGHf5vBKoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-ethel-kennedy-widow-of-robert-f-kennedy-who-suffered-a-stroke-765862" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-ethel-kennedy-widow-of-robert-f-kennedy-who-suffered-a-stroke-765862&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBxPTh4IWJAxUgSGwGHf5vBKoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Who is Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F Kennedy who suffered a stroke?</a>

The Kennedys were known for their parties, which brought in not only politicians but athletes, artists, executives, and entertainers ranging from Judy Garland to John Lennon. One night there was a poetry writing contest when Robert Frost was a guest and on another Harry Belafonte taught guests how to dance the twist."Hickory Hill was the most spirited social center in Washington," Arthur M. Schlesinger wrote in "Robert Kennedy and His Times." "It was hard to resist the raffish, unpredictable, sometimes uncontrollable Kennedy parties."Ethel and Robert were crushed when John was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. Robert resigned as attorney general nine months later to run successfully for a U.S. Senate seat, representing New York. In 1968 he decided to seek the Democratic presidential nomination.

Shortly after midnight on June 5 of that year, Kennedy's entourage was leaving the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments after Kennedy had won the crucial Democratic primary. As they were exiting via the kitchen, 24-year-old Sirhan Sirhan, a Jordanian-Palestinian, shot Kennedy. He cited Kennedy's support of Israel as his reason and remains in prison to this day.

Ethel, then pregnant with the couple's 11th child, had been separated in the crowd from her husband but managed to reach him as he lay on the kitchen floor. Kneeling, she spoke softly to him and tried to shoo away photographers.

She maintained a near-constant vigil beside him until he died early on June 6. Through it all, witnesses said Kennedy never lost her composure.

Ethel Kennedy also endured other family tragedies. Her parents were killed in a plane crash in 1955, and she lost a brother in a 1966 plane crash.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiBxPTh4IWJAxUgSGwGHf5vBKoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-ethel-kennedy-widow-of-robert-f-kennedy-who-suffered-a-stroke-765862" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-ethel-kennedy-widow-of-robert-f-kennedy-who-suffered-a-stroke-765862&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBxPTh4IWJAxUgSGwGHf5vBKoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Who is Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F Kennedy who suffered a stroke?</a>

Son David died of a drug overdose in 1984, while son Michael was killed in a skiing accident in 1997. RFK Jr. had drug problems that led to a heroin arrest and in 2019 her granddaughter Saoirse died after an apparent overdose.

In 2002 Ethel's nephew, Michael Skakel, was convicted of murdering 15-year-old Martha Moxley 27 years earlier in a case that featured in a string of TV documentaries.

Ethel took up many causes championed by her late husband, including fighting poverty, social justice, and protecting the environment. Notable projects included cleaning up Washington's Anacostia River and restoring New York's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbourhood.

In 2014 President Barack Obama gave her the Presidential Medal of Freedom."She is an emblem of enduring faith and enduring hope, even in the face of unimaginable loss and unimaginable grief," Obama said at the ceremony. "As her family will tell you ... you don't mess with Ethel."Asked in a 2014 NBC interview what had inspired her, Kennedy said: "First, Bobby and his life, and, of course, Jack."Rory, the Kennedys' youngest child, made a documentary about her mother in 2012. As Ethel contemplated the tragedies of her life, she said: "Nobody gets a free ride."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Ethel Kennedy, a long-time human rights advocate who endured a series of tragedies that included the assassination of her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, and the untimely deaths of two of their 11 children, died on Thursday (October 10) at the age of 96, her grandson Joseph Kennedy III said in a social media post.

Ethel Kennedy, a long-time human rights advocate who endured a series of tragedies that included the assassination of her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, and the untimely deaths of two of their 11 children, died on Thursday (October 10) at the age of 96, her grandson Joseph Kennedy III said in a social media post." It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week," Kennedy said in a post on X. Kennedy, who was a devout Catholic, sought to carry on her husband's works with the founding of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights center. She was the mother of former independent presidential candidate and anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently broke from his family's traditional Democratic affiliation to endorse Donald Trump. Ethel had been by her husband's side throughout his career and was beside him when he lay in a hotel kitchen in 1968, mortally wounded by an assassin's bullet. Ethel Skakel was introduced to Robert, or "Bobby," by her Manhattanville College classmate - Kennedy's sister Jean - in 1945 on a ski trip. Kennedy was dating Ethel's sister at the time but later took up with her. They married in 1950 and Ethel proved to be a good fit for the Kennedy clan. Like the Kennedys, her family was wealthy, Catholic and boisterous - although Republican. By 1956 Ethel and Robert were expecting their fifth child and needed a bigger home. Robert's brother, president-to-be John F. Kennedy, sold them Hickory Hill, a 13-bedroom mansion outside Washington in McLean, Virginia, that would become an annexe of the romanticised "Camelot" era of the Kennedy presidency. Hickory Hill served as a town hall, intellectual salon, and zoo, as well as the scene of many touch football games. Also read: Who is Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F Kennedy who suffered a stroke? The Kennedys were known for their parties, which brought in not only politicians but athletes, artists, executives, and entertainers ranging from Judy Garland to John Lennon. One night there was a poetry writing contest when Robert Frost was a guest and on another Harry Belafonte taught guests how to dance the twist."Hickory Hill was the most spirited social center in Washington," Arthur M. Schlesinger wrote in "Robert Kennedy and His Times." "It was hard to resist the raffish, unpredictable, sometimes uncontrollable Kennedy parties."Ethel and Robert were crushed when John was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. Robert resigned as attorney general nine months later to run successfully for a U.S. Senate seat, representing New York. In 1968 he decided to seek the Democratic presidential nomination. Shortly after midnight on June 5 of that year, Kennedy's entourage was leaving the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments after Kennedy had won the crucial Democratic primary. As they were exiting via the kitchen, 24-year-old Sirhan Sirhan, a Jordanian-Palestinian, shot Kennedy. He cited Kennedy's support of Israel as his reason and remains in prison to this day. Ethel, then pregnant with the couple's 11th child, had been separated in the crowd from her husband but managed to reach him as he lay on the kitchen floor. Kneeling, she spoke softly to him and tried to shoo away photographers. She maintained a near-constant vigil beside him until he died early on June 6. Through it all, witnesses said Kennedy never lost her composure. Ethel Kennedy also endured other family tragedies. Her parents were killed in a plane crash in 1955, and she lost a brother in a 1966 plane crash. Also read: Who is Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F Kennedy who suffered a stroke? Son David died of a drug overdose in 1984, while son Michael was killed in a skiing accident in 1997. RFK Jr. had drug problems that led to a heroin arrest and in 2019 her granddaughter Saoirse died after an apparent overdose. In 2002 Ethel's nephew, Michael Skakel, was convicted of murdering 15-year-old Martha Moxley 27 years earlier in a case that featured in a string of TV documentaries. Ethel took up many causes championed by her late husband, including fighting poverty, social justice, and protecting the environment. Notable projects included cleaning up Washington's Anacostia River and restoring New York's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbourhood. In 2014 President Barack Obama gave her the Presidential Medal of Freedom."She is an emblem of enduring faith and enduring hope, even in the face of unimaginable loss and unimaginable grief," Obama said at the ceremony. "As her family will tell you ... you don't mess with Ethel."Asked in a 2014 NBC interview what had inspired her, Kennedy said: "First, Bobby and his life, and, of course, Jack."Rory, the Kennedys' youngest child, made a documentary about her mother in 2012. As Ethel contemplated the tragedies of her life, she said: "Nobody gets a free ride." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Human rights advocate and Robert F Kennedy's widow Ethel Kennedy dies at 96

Ethel Kennedy, the widow of former US Attorney General Robert F Kennedy, suffered a stroke in her sleep on Thursday morning.&nbsp;

Her grandson, former Massachusetts Congressman Joseph Kennedy III shared the news of her health on X on Tuesday (Oct 7). According to her family, the 96-year-old Kennedy family matriarch is receiving treatment in the hospital.

“Unfortunately, on Thursday morning she suffered a stroke in her sleep. She was brought to an area hospital, where she is now receiving treatment. She is comfortable, she is getting the best care possible, and she is surrounded by family,” Joseph wrote on X.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sharing some news about one of my heroes. <a href="https://t.co/kcSqSNfabC">pic.twitter.com/kcSqSNfabC</a>
— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/joekennedy/status/1843789639867588639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“She is, as you may know, a strong woman who has led a remarkably fulfilling life,” added Joseph. “We are here looking after her. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. We ask that you respect our family's privacy at this time.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-rejects-bidens-bid-to-enforce-abortion-emergency-law-in-texas-765340">US Supreme Court rejects Biden's bid to enforce emergency abortions in Texas</a>

<h2>Who is Ethel Kennedy?</h2>

Born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois to George Skakel, a Protestant, who formed the Great Lakes Carbon Corporation with his co-workers. The family moved to Greenwich, Connecticut in 1936, where she was raised along with her six siblings.

During her education at Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart in September 1945, Ethel was introduced to Robert, who was dating her sister Patricia Skakel at the time. However, soon that relationship ended and Ethel and Robert started seeing each other.

Ethel campaigned for John F. Kennedy in 1946. She got married to Robert in June 1950 and had her first child, Kathleen, in 1951. The family moved to Washington, DC as Robert started working for the Department of Justice.

In 1955, in a tragic event,&nbsp;Ethel's&nbsp;parents were killed in a plane crash.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-warns-hurricane-milton-could-be-floridas-worst-storm-in-century-765714">Biden warns Hurricane Milton could be Florida's worst storm in century</a>

Ethel became interested in politics after Robert became the chief counsel to the Senate Select Committee. Soon, she joined the Kennedy family in the presidential campaign for John F. Kennedy, her brother-in-law, who became the president in 1960. Robert was appointed as the attorney general.

After John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Ethel campaigned for her husband who became the US Senate representing the state of New York. However, just after he won the California Democratic primary, he was assassinated in June 1968. Ethel gave birth to her 11th child, Rory, six months after the death of her husband and never remarried.

During the 1970s Ethel focused her time on public service and various social causes including the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Project. Her son David died due to a drug overdose in 1984, and her other son Michael died in a skiing accident in 1997.

Ethel founded the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Centre, is co-chairperson of the Coalition of Gun Control, and is involved with other human rights organisations. In 2014, she was honoured with a Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Barack Obama.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethel Kennedy, the widow of former US Attorney General Robert F Kennedy, suffered a stroke in her sleep on Thursday morning. Her grandson, former Massachusetts Congressman Joseph Kennedy III shared the news of her health on X on Tuesday (Oct 7).

Ethel Kennedy, the widow of former US Attorney General Robert F Kennedy, suffered a stroke in her sleep on Thursday morning. Her grandson, former Massachusetts Congressman Joseph Kennedy III shared the news of her health on X on Tuesday (Oct 7). According to her family, the 96-year-old Kennedy family matriarch is receiving treatment in the hospital. “Unfortunately, on Thursday morning she suffered a stroke in her sleep. She was brought to an area hospital, where she is now receiving treatment. She is comfortable, she is getting the best care possible, and she is surrounded by family,” Joseph wrote on X. Sharing some news about one of my heroes. pic.twitter.com/kcSqSNfabC — Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) October 8, 2024 × “She is, as you may know, a strong woman who has led a remarkably fulfilling life,” added Joseph. “We are here looking after her. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. We ask that you respect our family's privacy at this time.” Also read | US Supreme Court rejects Biden's bid to enforce emergency abortions in Texas Who is Ethel Kennedy? Born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois to George Skakel, a Protestant, who formed the Great Lakes Carbon Corporation with his co-workers. The family moved to Greenwich, Connecticut in 1936, where she was raised along with her six siblings. During her education at Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart in September 1945, Ethel was introduced to Robert, who was dating her sister Patricia Skakel at the time. However, soon that relationship ended and Ethel and Robert started seeing each other. Ethel campaigned for John F. Kennedy in 1946. She got married to Robert in June 1950 and had her first child, Kathleen, in 1951. The family moved to Washington, DC as Robert started working for the Department of Justice. In 1955, in a tragic event, Ethel's parents were killed in a plane crash. Also read | Biden warns Hurricane Milton could be Florida's worst storm in century Ethel became interested in politics after Robert became the chief counsel to the Senate Select Committee. Soon, she joined the Kennedy family in the presidential campaign for John F. Kennedy, her brother-in-law, who became the president in 1960. Robert was appointed as the attorney general. After John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Ethel campaigned for her husband who became the US Senate representing the state of New York. However, just after he won the California Democratic primary, he was assassinated in June 1968. Ethel gave birth to her 11th child, Rory, six months after the death of her husband and never remarried. During the 1970s Ethel focused her time on public service and various social causes including the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Project. Her son David died due to a drug overdose in 1984, and her other son Michael died in a skiing accident in 1997. Ethel founded the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Centre, is co-chairperson of the Coalition of Gun Control, and is involved with other human rights organisations. In 2014, she was honoured with a Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Barack Obama. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F Kennedy who suffered a stroke?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of America's renowned political family, suspended his&nbsp;presidential campaign on Friday (Aug 22) and endorsed Donald Trump, adding a new layer of uncertainty to the race for the White House.

"I no longer believe that I have a realistic path of electoral victory," Kennedy,&nbsp;who was polling in the low single digits, said at a press conference in swing state Arizona.

The 70-year-old criticised the decision to appoint Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee without holding a primary contest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-assassination-attempt-five-secret-service-agents-placed-on-leave-investigation-still-on-752818">Trump assassination attempt: Five Secret Service agents placed on leave, investigation still on</a>

Kennedy also listed several grievances against his former party, which he said had ultimately driven him to "throw my support to President Trump."

Notably, Kennedy failed to get on the ballot in even half of the 50 US states and his independent candidacy featured a number of bizarre twists -- including his claim to be suffering from a parasitic brain worm and a story about dumping a dead bear cub in Central Park.

In a joint statement endorsing Harris, five of Kennedy's siblings expressed their disapproval, saying, "Our brother Bobby's decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story."

Kennedy's withdrawal came a day after the surging Harris gave an electrifying speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, accepting the party's nomination and embarking on the final 10-week sprint to election day on November 5.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-is-an-unserious-man-the-key-takeaways-from-kamala-harris-dnc-speech-752646">Donald Trump is an unserious man: The key takeaways from Kamala Harris' DNC speech</a>

The analysts have mixed reactions on the effect Kennedy's exit will have on the presidential race and how much of his supporters will gravitate to Trump or Harris.

It may be mentioned here, within few minutes of taking the stage, Trump was welcoming Kennedy to the microphone, accompanied by pyrotechnics and "My Hero" by the Foo Fighters.

An uneasy-looking Kennedy told the cheering crowd that he wanted to collaborate with the future President Trump to "get the chemicals out of our food."

Trump heaped praise on Kennedy, saying they would "fight together to defeat the corrupt political establishment.

Trump also used Kennedy's appearance to announce the formation of what he called an independent presidential commission on assassination attempts.

"They will be tasked with releasing all of the remaining documents pertaining to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy," he said.

The 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s uncle, continues to captivate much of the country and remains the focus of numerous conspiracy theories.

Kamala Harris and Trump are neck and neck in the polls less than three weeks before their September 10 debate in Philadelphia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of America's renowned political family, suspended his presidential campaign on Friday (Aug 22) and endorsed Donald Trump, adding a new layer of uncertainty to the race for the White House.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of America's renowned political family, suspended his presidential campaign on Friday (Aug 22) and endorsed Donald Trump, adding a new layer of uncertainty to the race for the White House. "I no longer believe that I have a realistic path of electoral victory," Kennedy, who was polling in the low single digits, said at a press conference in swing state Arizona. The 70-year-old criticised the decision to appoint Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee without holding a primary contest. Also read: Trump assassination attempt: Five Secret Service agents placed on leave, investigation still on Kennedy also listed several grievances against his former party, which he said had ultimately driven him to "throw my support to President Trump." Notably, Kennedy failed to get on the ballot in even half of the 50 US states and his independent candidacy featured a number of bizarre twists -- including his claim to be suffering from a parasitic brain worm and a story about dumping a dead bear cub in Central Park. In a joint statement endorsing Harris, five of Kennedy's siblings expressed their disapproval, saying, "Our brother Bobby's decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story." Kennedy's withdrawal came a day after the surging Harris gave an electrifying speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, accepting the party's nomination and embarking on the final 10-week sprint to election day on November 5. Also read | Donald Trump is an unserious man: The key takeaways from Kamala Harris' DNC speech The analysts have mixed reactions on the effect Kennedy's exit will have on the presidential race and how much of his supporters will gravitate to Trump or Harris. It may be mentioned here, within few minutes of taking the stage, Trump was welcoming Kennedy to the microphone, accompanied by pyrotechnics and "My Hero" by the Foo Fighters. An uneasy-looking Kennedy told the cheering crowd that he wanted to collaborate with the future President Trump to "get the chemicals out of our food." Trump heaped praise on Kennedy, saying they would "fight together to defeat the corrupt political establishment. Trump also used Kennedy's appearance to announce the formation of what he called an independent presidential commission on assassination attempts. "They will be tasked with releasing all of the remaining documents pertaining to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy," he said. The 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s uncle, continues to captivate much of the country and remains the focus of numerous conspiracy theories. Kamala Harris and Trump are neck and neck in the polls less than three weeks before their September 10 debate in Philadelphia. (With inputs from agencies)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr ends White House bid, endorses Trump

Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to drop out of the race for the White House. Reportedly, Kennedy is planning to drop out of the election and endorse Trump. However, Kennedy wants a deal with Donald Trump. Kennedy wants a job in a potential Trump administration in exchange for getting endorsed.

Robert F Kennedy Jr to drop out of US presidential race by end of the week: reports

Multiple members of the Kennedy family came together to endorse Democrat Joe Biden in the the upcoming presidential election. The campaign event also served as a snub of their family member, Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has challenged Biden with an independent presidential campaign.

US: Kennedy family endorses Joe Biden for President over their relative RFK

Sirhan Sirhan, the assassin who killed US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, was denied release on Thursday by California's governor, who claimed the killer is still a menace to the public and hasn't admitted guilt in a crime that changed American history.

Kennedy, a New York senator, was assassinated seconds after winning the crucial Democratic presidential primary in California.

During the shooting at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, five others were injured.&nbsp;

A two-person panel of parole commissioners recommended that Sirhan, 77, be released. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who has named RFK as a political hero, rejected the request.

The Kennedy family was split by the panel's decision in August, with two of RFK's sons, Douglas Kennedy and Robert F Kennedy Jr, supporting his release and their brothers and mother passionately opposing it.&nbsp;

In his decision, Newsom wrote, "Sirhan's assassination of Senator Kennedy is among the most notorious crimes in American history," "After decades in prison, he has failed to address the deficiencies that led him to assassinate Senator Kennedy. Mr. Sirhan lacks the insight that would prevent him from making the same types of dangerous decisions he has made in the past. "

Sirhan's refusal to accept responsibility for his crime, his lack of awareness and accountability required to enable his safe release, his inability to renounce violence committed in his name, and his failure to mitigate his risk factors were all factors in his decision, he added.

Sirhan's new parole hearing will be held no later than February 2023.

According to Sirhan's defence attorney, Angela Berry, Sirhan will petition a judge to overturn Newsom's denial.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sirhan Sirhan, the assassin who killed US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, was denied release on Thursday by California's governor, who claimed the killer is still a menace to the public and hasn't admitted guilt in a crime that changed American history.

Sirhan Sirhan, the assassin who killed US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, was denied release on Thursday by California's governor, who claimed the killer is still a menace to the public and hasn't admitted guilt in a crime that changed American history. Kennedy, a New York senator, was assassinated seconds after winning the crucial Democratic presidential primary in California. During the shooting at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, five others were injured. A two-person panel of parole commissioners recommended that Sirhan, 77, be released. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who has named RFK as a political hero, rejected the request. The Kennedy family was split by the panel's decision in August, with two of RFK's sons, Douglas Kennedy and Robert F Kennedy Jr, supporting his release and their brothers and mother passionately opposing it. In his decision, Newsom wrote, "Sirhan's assassination of Senator Kennedy is among the most notorious crimes in American history," "After decades in prison, he has failed to address the deficiencies that led him to assassinate Senator Kennedy. Mr. Sirhan lacks the insight that would prevent him from making the same types of dangerous decisions he has made in the past. " Sirhan's refusal to accept responsibility for his crime, his lack of awareness and accountability required to enable his safe release, his inability to renounce violence committed in his name, and his failure to mitigate his risk factors were all factors in his decision, he added. Sirhan's new parole hearing will be held no later than February 2023. According to Sirhan's defence attorney, Angela Berry, Sirhan will petition a judge to overturn Newsom's denial. (With inputs from agencies)

Robert F Kennedy assassin Sirhan Sirhan denied parole by California governor

Getting vaccinated against coronavirus might be the last condition that any guest would think about having to fulfil at a party hosted by an anti-vaxxer. Turns out, odd things happen.<o:p></o:p>

One of the leading anti-vaxxers of the US, Robert F Kennedy Jr, threw a party at his home but guests were urged to be fully vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19.<o:p></o:p>

The 67-year-old leading anti-vaxxer is the nephew of former US president John F Kennedy and the second son of Robert F Kennedy, the US attorney general, New York senator and candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination who was assassinated in 1968.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-news-switzerland-tightens-covid-curbs-denmark-imposes-new-restrictions-and-more-438051">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-news-switzerland-tightens-covid-curbs-denmark-imposes-new-restrictions-and-more-438051/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As people started raising this issue on the internet, Kennedy quickly shifted the blame to his wife, Cheryl Hines. He said it was Hines who had made that condition and he had to go along with it because he is “not always the boss at my own house”.<o:p></o:p>

His move gained immense criticism from his opposition, “The ol' blame-the-wife-for-wanting-people-to-be-safe-when-you're-an-anti-vaxxer move. Classy,” tweeted Doug Heye, a Republican.<o:p></o:p>

He tried to hide this news by saying that no extra efforts were made to check whether or not people coming in the doors were vaccinated or not.<o:p></o:p>

Kennedy has gained limelight in the past year by promoting conspiracy theories against vaccination campaigns. “It is criminal medical malpractice to give a child one of these vaccines,” Kennedy has often been heard saying.<o:p></o:p>

He also claims that his non-profit organisation Children’s Health Defense has received funding “from independent funders, from people whose children have been injured by medications, from people who want medical freedom”.

<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from agencies)

Getting vaccinated against coronavirus might be the last condition that any guest would think about having to fulfil at a party hosted by an anti-vaxxer. Turns out, odd things happen.

Getting vaccinated against coronavirus might be the last condition that any guest would think about having to fulfil at a party hosted by an anti-vaxxer. Turns out, odd things happen. One of the leading anti-vaxxers of the US, Robert F Kennedy Jr, threw a party at his home but guests were urged to be fully vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19. The 67-year-old leading anti-vaxxer is the nephew of former US president John F Kennedy and the second son of Robert F Kennedy, the US attorney general, New York senator and candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination who was assassinated in 1968. WATCH | As people started raising this issue on the internet, Kennedy quickly shifted the blame to his wife, Cheryl Hines. He said it was Hines who had made that condition and he had to go along with it because he is “not always the boss at my own house”. His move gained immense criticism from his opposition, “The ol' blame-the-wife-for-wanting-people-to-be-safe-when-you're-an-anti-vaxxer move. Classy,” tweeted Doug Heye, a Republican. He tried to hide this news by saying that no extra efforts were made to check whether or not people coming in the doors were vaccinated or not. Kennedy has gained limelight in the past year by promoting conspiracy theories against vaccination campaigns. “It is criminal medical malpractice to give a child one of these vaccines,” Kennedy has often been heard saying. He also claims that his non-profit organisation Children’s Health Defense has received funding “from independent funders, from people whose children have been injured by medications, from people who want medical freedom”. (With inputs from agencies)

'Blame it on wife': Guests urged to be vaccinated at anti-vaxxer’s party

'Harry Potter' author JK Rowling is returning the Ripple of Hope award. The award was given to her last year by the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights organization. The move comes after, &nbsp;Robert F Kennedy, the president of the organization criticized her recent comments on the transgender community.

The award is given to the people who have shown a commitment to a social change. Last year, the award was presented to Rowling for her work with children charity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/harry-potter-fan-sites-step-back-from-jk-rowling-over-transgender-views-310369" hreflang="en">Harry Potter fan sites step back from JK Rowling over transgender views</a> 
 
By publicly putting her statement and expressing her disappointment Rowling wrote on her website, "The statement incorrectly implied that I was transphobic and that I am responsible for harm to trans people."&nbsp; 
 
"As a longstanding donor to LGBT charities and a supporter of trans people's right to live free of persecution, I absolutely refute the accusation that I hate trans people or wish them ill, or that standing up for the rights of women is wrong, discriminatory, or incites harm or violence to the trans community."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/rupert-grint-on-jk-rowlings-gender-comments-trans-women-are-women-trans-men-are-men-306092" hreflang="en">Rupert Grint on JK Rowling's gender comments: 'Trans women are women. Trans men are men'</a> 
 
"In solidarity with those who have contacted me but who are struggling to make their voices heard, and because of the very serious conflict of views between myself and RFKHR, I feel I have no option but to return the Ripple of Hope Award bestowed upon me last year. &nbsp;I am deeply saddened that RFKHR has felt compelled to adopt this stance, but no award or honor, no matter my admiration for the person for whom it was named, means so much to me that I would forfeit the right to follow the dictates of my own conscience." 
 
In a series of tweets in June, Rowling said she supported trans rights but did not believe in ''erasing' the concept of biological sex, '' If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It doesn’t hate to speak the truth''. She tweeted.&nbsp;

'Harry Potter' author JK Rowling is returning the Ripple of Hope award. The award was given to her last year by the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights organization. The move comes after, Robert F Kennedy, the president of the organization criticized her recent comments on the transgender community.

'Harry Potter' author JK Rowling is returning the Ripple of Hope award. The award was given to her last year by the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights organization. The move comes after, Robert F Kennedy, the president of the organization criticized her recent comments on the transgender community. The award is given to the people who have shown a commitment to a social change. Last year, the award was presented to Rowling for her work with children charity. Also read: Harry Potter fan sites step back from JK Rowling over transgender views By publicly putting her statement and expressing her disappointment Rowling wrote on her website, "The statement incorrectly implied that I was transphobic and that I am responsible for harm to trans people." "As a longstanding donor to LGBT charities and a supporter of trans people's right to live free of persecution, I absolutely refute the accusation that I hate trans people or wish them ill, or that standing up for the rights of women is wrong, discriminatory, or incites harm or violence to the trans community." Also read: Rupert Grint on JK Rowling's gender comments: 'Trans women are women. Trans men are men' "In solidarity with those who have contacted me but who are struggling to make their voices heard, and because of the very serious conflict of views between myself and RFKHR, I feel I have no option but to return the Ripple of Hope Award bestowed upon me last year. I am deeply saddened that RFKHR has felt compelled to adopt this stance, but no award or honor, no matter my admiration for the person for whom it was named, means so much to me that I would forfeit the right to follow the dictates of my own conscience." In a series of tweets in June, Rowling said she supported trans rights but did not believe in ''erasing' the concept of biological sex, '' If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It doesn’t hate to speak the truth''. She tweeted.

JK Rowling to return human rights award over transgender backlash

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