A 62-year-old woman is facing charges in New York City following an incident during a protest at the United Nations. She allegedly assaulted Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s health advisor.
The event took place on a Thursday afternoon, when Patricia Shue reportedly aimed a bright light at HHS aide Sarah Kennedy, shouting “Free Palestine” and pursuing her into the bathroom while yelling “woman.” Reports indicate that there was a degree of chaos involved.
Kennedy, who has no familial ties to the Bobby Kennedy, described fleeing into a bathroom stall to escape Shue. But, she says, the chase continued, and Shue might have injured her eye with her phone during the altercation.
The aide was present at the UN headquarters to support Secretary Kennedy in discussions about preventing non-communicable diseases.
Shue is facing charges of assault, aggravated harassment, attempted assault, and criminal possession of a weapon, as noted by various reports. She was released from custody on Friday and has a court appearance scheduled for November 13.
While speaking with media outlets, Kennedy stated that she first encountered Shue in a corridor. “It was really disorienting,” she recalled. “I took a moment to collect myself, but then it hit me what was happening. I realized I was screaming, and I also noticed that the light was acting as a recording device.” As she tried to get away, Shue called her a “fascist” and a “Nazi,” while protesters echoed similar accusations.
As she entered the bathroom, Shue allegedly continued filming and pushed against the door, attempting to enter the stall with her. Kennedy recounted that she hoped the situation would resolve itself, yet Shue persisted in following her into the hallway. Ultimately, Kennedy managed to escape.
“It felt very political,” she mentioned in her conversation with the media. “Secretary Kennedy deals with so many threats already, and this just adds to the chaos.” She stressed that officials had been hounded, filmed, and verbally attacked by confused protesters at the UN.
Furthermore, she recalled a security lapse with escalators during the UN gathering, which, coincidentally, led to President Trump’s teleprompter malfunction while he was in attendance.
“Fortunately, everyone is safe,” Kennedy added. “But it does highlight some embarrassingly troubling incidents at the UN, especially as President Trump faced his own challenges there.” Medical staff treated Kennedy’s eye at the UN, but she opted out of further hospital care. The Secret Service is reportedly looking into the matter.
