US Elections 2024: Peanut the Squirrel’s Death Ignites Tensions Between Trump and Harris Supporters
The recent euthanization of Peanut, a beloved orphaned squirrel and social media sensation, has sparked a new clash between Trump and Harris supporters as the US Presidential elections approach on November 5.
With 537,000 Instagram followers, Peanut the black squirrel captivated a global audience with his adventures, from munching on waffles to wearing adorable costumes. However, after anonymous complaints, New York state authorities seized Peanut, along with a raccoon named Fred, from Mark Longo’s residence near the Pennsylvania border.
In a statement, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said, “On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel residing with humans, posing a potential rabies risk. Additionally, a person involved in the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized.” This prompted widespread outrage, as reported by CBS News.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk voiced his anger on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the action as government “overreach.” Musk commented, “President @realDonaldTrump will save the squirrels,” and questioned, “Why is the Democratic Party so cruel?”
In a series of posts, Musk drew comparisons to John Wick, referencing the film where the main character seeks vengeance for the death of his beloved pet. Musk also shared a meme of “Obi PNut Kenobi,” a tribute to Peanut, further fueling the social media uproar.
Trump’s supporters quickly rallied around the issue, with AI-generated images of Peanut in MAGA hats circulating on social media. Memes showed Peanut aiming an AR-15 or perched on Trump’s shoulder, with captions calling for “justice for Peanut.”
Mark Longo, Peanut’s caretaker, shared that he rescued the squirrel as an infant after its mother was hit by a car. Longo had nurtured Peanut and attempted to reintroduce him to the wild, but after returning to Longo’s home with a part of his tail missing, Peanut lived with him for seven years. Heartbroken, Longo posted on Instagram, “Internet, you WON. You took away one of the most amazing animals because of selfishness. To those who called [the authorities], there’s a special place in hell for you.”
Peanut’s death has become a point of political debate, adding a unique and emotional dimension to the final days of campaigning in the 2024 elections.
