Elon Musk, RFK Jr stand up for P’nut the squirrel after authorities euthanize popular social media pet: ‘Government overreach executed him’

Elon Musk commented on the incident, saying, “Government overreach kidnapped an orphan squirrel and executed him.”

Kennedy posted in response, "Are these the same guys that killed my whale and my bear? And, what happened to the head? Just asking for a friend."

The situation centers around an orphaned squirrel named P'nut, who had been cared for by Longo for several years. Authorities conducted a raid on Longo’s home following anonymous complaints, seizing P'nut and a raccoon named Fred. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Chemung County Department of Health later confirmed that both animals were euthanized so they could be tested for rabies after a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel.

“On Oct 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” the agencies revealed in a statement, according to CBS News New York. “The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician.”

Much like the reactionary memes from the “cats and dogs” comment that Trump made in the debate with Kamala Harris, some X users made graphics of the GOP nominee protecting squirrels from harm.

P'nut amassed tens of thousands of followers on social media during the seven years Longo cared for him. Longo, who operates an animal sanctuary, first rescued the squirrel after he witnessed its mother being hit by a car. Since then, he had posted multiple videos of the seemingly docile squirrel climbing on him and performing basic tricks.

Wildlife officials have confirmed that it is illegal for an individual to own a wild animal; however, the internet broke out into a frenzy over the news that Longo’s pet had been taken away from him and euthanized.

“Well internet, you WON,” Longo wrote in a post after the animals were taken. “You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.”

“To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you,” he added.

Following the news that the squirrel was euthanized, Longo wrote in a post, “RIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. I’m sorry I failed you but thank you for everything.”

Longo has also claimed that authorities used excessive force when seizing the pet during the raid on his home and farm, which took five hours.

"You need that many officers to show up to my house to literally pull my closets apart?" Longo said.

In April 2023, Longo and his wife opened P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary. The sanctuary houses roughly 300 animals, according to Longo. He also claimed he was in the process of filing paperwork to certify P'nut as an educational animal when authorities seized the squirrel.