Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Thursday that the National Institutes of Health is launching a series of studies into whether psychiatric medications, including SSRIs, are contributing to America’s epidemic of violence.
Speaking on Fox & Friends, Kennedy emphasized that the nation cannot turn away from tough questions when young lives are at stake. His remarks followed the horrific Minnesota Catholic school shooting carried out by 23-year-old Robin Westman, who identified as transgender and left behind a chilling manifesto describing years of depression, suicidal thoughts, and feelings of hopelessness.
“This tragedy underscores the urgent need to investigate what role psychiatric drugs may be playing in violent behavior,” Kennedy said. “Many of these medications carry black-box warnings for suicidal and even homicidal ideation. We cannot ignore the possibility that these warnings are flashing red lights.”
Westman’s manifesto revealed deep struggles with mental illness and identity. Though it is not yet known if Westman was prescribed SSRIs or other psychiatric drugs, Kennedy insisted that the American people deserve honest, science-based answers. “We are now funding NIH studies to look at SSRIs, gender transition drugs, and other psychiatric medications. We want to know: are these drugs, which millions of Americans—especially young people—are taking, contributing to violence in our schools and communities?”
SSRIs, commonly prescribed under names like Lexapro and Zoloft, are widely used to treat depression but also list serious side effects, including increased risk of aggression and suicidal thoughts among young adults. Past NIH research has already identified serotonin reuptake inhibitors as among the most consistently linked drugs to violent outbursts.
Kennedy’s move signals a new era of accountability. “We owe it to parents, teachers, and every child in this country to leave no stone unturned,” he declared.