New York state authorities have sparked an uproar by raiding a private home and euthanizing two beloved animals, including a squirrel named Peanut, who had a large social media following.

The incident has fueled debates over government authority, especially among supporters of former President Donald Trump, who see it as an example of excessive interference, as Breitbart reports.

On Oct. 30, officers from New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) arrived at the home of Mark Longo, where they seized a squirrel and a raccoon. According to the DEC, the raid was prompted by anonymous complaints and health concerns related to rabies exposure.

Peanut the squirrel, whom Longo had rescued seven years prior, had become a social media sensation, amassing over a million followers on TikTok. He was in the process of obtaining certification as an educational animal, increasing his visibility and popularity.

Concerns Over Health and Safety Risks

The DEC justified the seizure and subsequent euthanization of Peanut, citing concerns about potential rabies transmission. At least one person had been bitten by Peanut, raising alarms over public health risks. The agency’s response drew sharp criticism from those who felt the measures taken were excessively harsh for two small animals.

In addition to Peanut, Longo's raccoon, Fred, was also taken and euthanized. Longo expressed profound sorrow and anger on social media, describing the events as traumatic and unfair. “It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news,” Longo wrote on Instagram, explaining the loss of both animals despite his "pleas for compassion" to the DEC.

According to Longo, DEC officers conducted a thorough search of his home, even asking questions unrelated to the animals. “I wasn’t even allowed to feed my rescue horses breakfast or lunch,” he shared in an interview, stating that officers questioned his wife about her immigration status and searched every part of his house.

Public Figures and Influencers Weigh In

The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with prominent voices like Elon Musk weighing in. Musk commented on X, calling it “government overreach in action.” This sentiment was echoed by supporters of Donald Trump, who view the event as a symbol of excessive government control.

Donald Trump Jr. also voiced strong opinions, criticizing the government’s priorities. He shared a post on X condemning the raid and calling for change, stating, “Maybe P’nuts murder will be the catalyst for real change & awakening as to our govts broken priorities!”

Other public figures joined in, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. taking a more humorous approach by referencing his prior involvement in the death of a bear. He questioned whether the same officials who handled Peanut’s case were responsible for other controversial actions, jokingly asking, “What happened to the head?”

Social Media Reacts with Memes and Graphics

Supporters of Trump and advocates for animal rights quickly took to social media platforms, creating memes, AI-generated images, and other content to express their dismay. One popular meme account, Mostly Peaceful Memes, shared a post alluding to widespread frustration over Peanut’s death, remarking on the shock and anger felt by many online users.

Peanut’s passing struck a nerve for many animal lovers and social media fans alike. The squirrel had become more than a pet; he was a fixture in online communities that valued his story of survival and rescue. Longo’s followers have expressed sadness and solidarity with him, echoing his frustration at what they consider unnecessary government actions.

The story has also attracted attention for the perceived discrepancy between the treatment of Longo’s animals and other societal issues. Supporters argue that resources were misallocated, suggesting that the focus should have been on more pressing matters rather than a rescue squirrel and raccoon.

Longo's Relationship with Peanut

For Longo, Peanut was more than just a pet -- he was a long-term companion. The squirrel had been in his care for seven years after Longo rescued him from the roadside. Peanut’s story of survival resonated with his fans, making the sudden loss all the more difficult for those who had followed his journey online.

Longo made his grief clear in his social media statements, conveying a deep sense of betrayal and loss. He recounted the DEC raid in vivid detail, describing how he felt treated “like a criminal” and denied basic comforts, such as caring for his other animals.

While the DEC maintains that health concerns justified their actions, Longo and his supporters continue to question the motives and proportionality of the response.

A Symbol of Frustration with Authorities

Peanut’s death has become a rallying point for those critical of government overreach. Many feel that the actions taken by the DEC are emblematic of larger issues, touching a nerve with Trump supporters who see the incident as another example of misplaced priorities.

The surge of interest in the story, with commentary from figures like Musk and Trump Jr., highlights broader discontent with the government’s handling of individual rights. The death of Peanut, a squirrel with a million followers, has sparked discussions about the scope and limits of authority.

Whether this story will lead to significant changes in policy remains to be seen, but for Longo and Peanut’s fans, the memory of the squirrel continues to stir strong emotions and widespread sympathy.