Authorities responded Friday to a bomb threat at the Georgetown residence of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Washington, D.C. Police and K-9 units conducted a thorough search of the property and nearby areas but found no explosives. While no suspect or motive has been disclosed, the investigation remains ongoing.
The threat came amid heightened controversy surrounding Kennedy’s recent overhaul of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kennedy dismissed the CDC’s entire vaccine advisory panel and replaced it with members who support changes to childhood vaccine guidelines, including the removal of the combined MMRV shot and revised COVID-19 and hepatitis B vaccine recommendations.
The move has sparked bipartisan criticism and concern among public health experts. Former CDC Director Susan Monarez testified she was dismissed for opposing Kennedy’s reforms, and critics warn that these changes could reduce public trust in vaccinations and increase the risk of disease outbreaks. Kennedy, however, has defended the changes as efforts to reduce conflicts of interest and rebuild public confidence.
Tensions escalated further during a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing, where Kennedy faced sharp criticism from lawmakers, including Sen. Ron Wyden, who accused him of pursuing dangerous health policies. Kennedy responded by questioning the effectiveness of past public health leadership, citing rising chronic disease rates.
Vice President JD Vance later defended Kennedy on social media, expressing frustration with senators’ treatment of the HHS Secretary. Other administration officials, including Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, also voiced support for Kennedy’s efforts, emphasizing transparency and reform.
These events followed a public letter signed by over 1,000 current and former HHS employees calling for Kennedy’s resignation. Additionally, an unrelated incident occurred when a former aide accidentally collided with Kennedy’s car after being dismissed, adding to a turbulent few weeks for the department.
