AP: Kennedy Jr. Faces Charges for Removing Whale's Head 30 Years Ago

Son of Robert F. Kennedy Accused of Violating Marine Mammal Protection Act

Charges Stem from 1990 Incident at Oregon Beach

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental activist and the son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, is facing charges for allegedly removing the head of a dead sperm whale from an Oregon beach in 1990.

The charges, filed by the Department of Justice, allege that Kennedy violated the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits the "take" of any marine mammal, including whales.

The incident occurred on July 20, 1990, at Cannon Beach, Oregon. According to court documents, Kennedy and several other people used a chainsaw to remove the head of a dead sperm whale that had washed ashore.

The head was allegedly taken to Kennedy's compound in Virginia, where it was displayed as a trophy.

Kennedy has denied the charges, claiming that he did not know that removing the whale's head was illegal.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act was enacted in 1972 to protect marine mammals from hunting, harassment, and other forms of harm.

The Act defines "take" as "to hunt, harass, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, harass, capture, or kill any marine mammal."

If convicted, Kennedy could face a fine of up to $20,000 and up to one year in prison.

Timeline of Events

• July 20, 1990: Kennedy and others allegedly remove the head of a dead sperm whale at Cannon Beach, Oregon.
• 1990-2023: The whale's head is displayed at Kennedy's compound in Virginia.
• 2023: Charges are filed against Kennedy for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Legal experts say that the case against Kennedy is likely to be a complex one.

"The government will have to prove that Kennedy knew that removing the whale's head was illegal," said David Wright, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

"Kennedy's defense will likely be that he did not know that the Marine Mammal Protection Act applied to dead whales," Wright said.

Impact on Kennedy's Environmental Activism

The charges against Kennedy could have a significant impact on his environmental activism.

Kennedy is a prominent environmental activist who has worked on a variety of issues, including climate change, water pollution, and the protection of endangered species.

If convicted, Kennedy could face a fine and imprisonment, which could make it difficult for him to continue his activism.

Conclusion

The charges against Kennedy are a reminder that even well-intentioned actions can have unintended consequences.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act is a vital law that helps to protect marine mammals from harm.

Kennedy's case should serve as a warning to others that it is important to be aware of the laws that protect wildlife.