A squirrel’s unexpected appearance on stage moments before Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech at Howard University quickly became a viral sensation, with social media users buzzing over what some called a symbolic return of “Peanut.” Peanut, a well-loved squirrel and social media star, was recently euthanized by New York authorities, and many fans believe this squirrel’s sudden stage visit was a sign, sparking theories that Peanut’s “spirit” had returned.
The incident occurred just as Harris prepared to speak at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and the furry visitor was seen darting past a line of American flags set up behind the podium. The spectacle instantly caught the attention of the crowd and viewers, leading to widespread online reactions. Many were quick to share the clip, with captions interpreting the squirrel’s appearance as a sign or even a “message.” This surreal moment triggered a wave of theories on X (formerly known as Twitter), with one user suggesting, “The ghost of Peanut the squirrel showed up to haunt Kamala at her ‘I failed’ speech.” Another wrote, “When do you ever see a squirrel inside of a political building? This is a clear message. The Divine communicates in many ways. I believe Peanut’s spirit was involved.”
Peanut, a pet squirrel and raccoon owned by Mark Longo, had captured hearts across social media before being seized and euthanized by New York officials earlier this month. Longo, a passionate advocate for animals, expressed heartbreak and outrage after authorities removed Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from his residence on November 1. Citing potential rabies concerns, officials claimed the confiscation was a public safety measure. However, Longo and his supporters viewed the incident as a violation of his rights. “This is much bigger than a squirrel and a raccoon. This is about government overreach,” Longo stated in an interview. “We want justice for what transpired at my home. You violated my home. You assassinated my animals.”
The controversy around Peanut’s passing, especially following his rise as an Instagram icon, added emotional weight to the squirrel’s appearance at Harris’ speech. Fans of Peanut began interpreting the timing of the squirrel’s appearance as more than coincidence, with one commenter writing, “He will have his revenge,” while another remarked, “Don’t mess with pets.”
Peanut’s story became widely shared on social media, where animal lovers lamented his loss and denounced the government’s actions as excessive. Many noted that Peanut was more than a pet to Longo, who credits him as an inspiration behind his nonprofit animal sanctuary. Longo’s followers have continued rallying to honor Peanut’s memory, even petitioning for justice on his behalf. The hashtag #JusticeForPeanut circulated in the days following his death, capturing the public’s sense of injustice over his loss and challenging the authority’s handling of the situation.
While it’s unlikely the squirrel at Howard University was Peanut in any literal sense, the viral clip shows the depth of connection people felt for the late Instagram star. For fans of Peanut, this mysterious moment served as a powerful reminder of his memory, symbolizing their shared frustration and affection for animals lost to bureaucracy.
In the end, this brief appearance has left many wondering about the symbolism behind it, creating an unusual intersection between a social media icon, a viral squirrel sighting, and a highly publicized political moment. Whether coincidence or cosmic message, the incident demonstrates how the digital era continues to shape narratives around public figures, even those with bushy tails and acorn obsessions.