HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was filmed grabbing two black racer snakes bare-handed on a patio in Palm Beach, Florida [1, 2].
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, highlights the unpredictable public conduct of the cabinet official during a private visit to the home of Dr. Mehmet Oz [1, 2].
According to footage shared on X, Kennedy handled two wild snakes without protection [1]. During the encounter, Kennedy was repeatedly bitten by the animals [2]. His wife, Cheryl Hines, was present during the incident and urged him to put the snakes down [2].
The video shows the interaction taking place on Dr. Oz's patio [1, 3]. While the snakes were identified as black racers, the footage captures the tension of the moment as Hines expressed concern over the danger of the animals [2].
Kennedy's actions in the video have drawn attention for the risk involved in handling wild reptiles without professional equipment. The clip was widely circulated on social media shortly after it was posted [1, 2].
“RFK Jr. grabbed two black racer snakes bare-handed on Dr. Oz's patio”
The public release of this footage adds to a pattern of unconventional behavior associated with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As the Secretary of Health and Human Services, his willingness to engage in high-risk activities, such as handling wild animals bare-handed, may be viewed by critics as a lack of judgment, while supporters may see it as an expression of his idiosyncratic personality.
