This week, a protester reportedly ambushed Sarah Kennedy, a senior adviser to UN Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in a rather chaotic incident. The protester, identified as Patricia Shu, aged 62, aggressively followed Kennedy around the lobby and into bathroom stalls, yelling derogatory remarks like “slut.”
The confrontation began around 2 p.m. on Thursday when Shu allegedly directed bright light into Kennedy’s face while shouting “Free Palestine!” Following this, sources noted that Shu chased Kennedy across the pro-LGBT signage in the lobby.
Kennedy, who isn’t directly associated with HHS’s leadership, stated that, in an attempt to evade Shu, she dashed to the bathroom and sought refuge in a stall. Apparently, Shu continued her pursuit, reportedly injuring Kennedy’s eye with her cell phone, among other items.
The staff members present were briefly treated on-site by emergency medical services but declined further hospital care.
Shu had allegedly been recording Kennedy with her phone throughout the chase and now faces charges of assault and harassment, according to sources.
A representative from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office indicated that as of Friday afternoon, no charges had been formally filed against Shu, and the whereabouts of her detention remain unclear. Attempts to reach either woman for comments, as well as RFK Jr.’s office, were unsuccessful.
RFK Jr. was at the United Nations, situated on 45th Avenue, for a meeting concerning the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
This event coincided with the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, which kicked off on September 9. The assembly has been highlighted by daily pro-Palestinian protests, including an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday.
Earlier in the week, around 60 protesters were taken into custody near the UN during rallies that involved over 150 demonstrators displaying inflammatory signs, some calling for the abolition of Israel.
