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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Wisconsin doctor makes wild measles claims
Pierre Kory testifies in front of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. | Screenshot via CSPAN This story was published in partnership with the Center for Media and Democracy. Last month, Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary and longtime anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the funeral for the second unvaccinated child in Texas to have died in the ongoing measles outbreak. While in Texas, he met with the two grieving families — along with two local doctors promoting unproven measles treatments, whom he called 'extraordinary healers.' Following the first death, Children's Health Defense (CHD), the anti-vax organization Kennedy led until recently, pushed its own narrative claiming that the 6-year-old Mennonite girl did not actually die from the measles. In this effort, CHD has relied heavily on Pierre Kory, a Wisconsin doctor who has both amplified that assertion and claimed that the measles virus has been weaponized by unknown conspirators. Kory is a Kennedy ally who has been widely criticized for spreading Covid misinformation during the pandemic, including pushing the use of ivermectin as a 'miracle drug' for treating that virus. For years, CHD and Kennedy have promoted the debunked claim that the standard measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine given to almost all children in the U.S. is tied to autism. With an upsurge in the pandemic-era, right-wing embrace of the anti-vax movement — and of Kennedy himself — there has been a notable decrease in routine pediatric vaccinations in the U.S. Now that measles immunization rates have fallen below thresholds to maintain herd immunity in certain parts of the country, outbreaks such as the one in West Texas are expected to become more common. In February, Texas reported the country's first measles death in a child in the more than two decades since the disease was classified as eradicated in the U.S. In response to this death, CHD posted a video on March 19 featuring Kory and Ben Edwards, another Texas doctor Kennedy applauded, discussing the girl's medical records, which her parents released to the organization. Despite having no training in pediatric medicine and having had his board certifications in internal medicine and critical care revoked last year, Kory claimed the child's death was due to incorrect antibiotic management of a bacterial pneumonia infection that had 'little to do with measles.' Edwards — a family doctor who has been treating measles-stricken children in Texas with medications not indicated for measles and was accused of seeing pediatric patients while actively infected with measles himself — concurred with Kory. Without being able to examine the medical records themselves, pediatricians consulted for this article were limited in their critique of Kory's assessment. But they did question his understanding of empiric antibiotic recommendations for pediatric pneumonia. Secondary bacterial pneumonia infections following viral diseases are common, and pneumonia is a well-documented complication of a measles infection. These doctors also questioned the strong personal bias underpinning Kory's assessment and pointed to his history of extreme claims about Covid made online and to right-wing media outlets as evidence against his reliability as an 'expert.' Furthermore, Kory has been inconsistent in his messaging around this measles death when addressing various audiences. When Alex Morozov, founder of the counter-misinformation group Eviva Partners, confronted Kory about his statements regarding the young girl's cause of death at the so-called 'Summit for Truth & Wellness' on March 29, the answer he got was very different. At that event, Kory suggested this was a case of the measles being 'weaponized.' In an audio recording of their conversation published by Morozov, Kory said: Do you want to know the real story on this case? Quite a few of us believe that they weaponized the measles virus. And this measles is more. They're doing this on purpose. She got sicker from the measles probably because they monkeyed with the measles virus…. Do you know how many bioweapons labs there are and what they can do? Like the unfounded claim of an error in medical treatment, this 'weaponized measles' narrative has spread rapidly throughout the online crankosphere. However, this conspiratorial rhetoric has not been accompanied by urgent recommendations for increased vaccinations to prevent infection from a supposedly more virulent strain. Kennedy, who promoted pandemic conspiracy theories along with ivermectin as an alternative to Covid vaccines, has called Kory 'honest, brave, and sincere' and 'a brave dissident doctor.' The doctor appeared with him at various campaign-related events in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, both before and after RFK Jr. suspended his own campaign and joined forces with Trump to launch the 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) movement. As ivermectin proved to be ineffective against Covid, Kory turned on the life-saving mRNA vaccines while cozying up to Kennedy and CHD. Kory and the ivermectin group he co-founded — the Frontline COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC), now called the Independent Medical Alliance following a pro-MAHA rebrand — have rallied with Kennedy and CHD on multiple occasions, including against Covid vaccine mandates during the deadly Omicron wave in late 2021 and early 2022. Kory has not just turned on Covid vaccines, but routine childhood immunizations in line with Kennedy's and CHD's established anti-vax rhetoric as well. In 2023, Kory appeared in an FLCCC webinar about pediatric vaccines titled 'Your Child, Your Choice.' The same year, despite his lack of pediatric credentials, he served as an 'expert' on the issue of childhood vaccinations for Republicans in Wisconsin. That same year, Kory testified at the Wisconsin Capitol as part of a GOP-led effort to block adding the meningitis vaccine as a state requirement for school-aged children, which is required in many other states and has been recommended by the Center for Disease Control's Advisory Council on Immunization Practices since 2005. (While Kory and company were initially successful, the meningitis vaccine was eventually added to Wisconsin's requirements as of the 2023/24 school year.) During this measles outbreak, both Kennedy and Kory have once again promoted 'alternative' treatments. Kennedy has drawn heavy criticism for pushing vitamin A as a treatment for measles while simultaneously failing to provide a sorely needed, full-throated endorsement of the MMR vaccines. Following the second death, while the HHS secretary correctly called the vaccines the 'most effective way' to prevent measles, he quickly undermined his own statement. In his tweet about the funeral, Kennedy included a shoutout to doctors Edwards and Richard Bartlett, his other 'extraordinary healer' from Texas, for their use of unproven treatments on infected children in the local community. On March 31, Kory appeared in another CHD video about the first Texas child's death, claiming she should have received intravenous vitamin C, which is not indicated for measles-related pneumonia. Of note, prior to his co-authorship of questionable papers on the use of ivermectin to fight Covid, Kory co-authored a since-retracted paper on a Covid hospital protocol that featured vitamin C. Given his past statements on Covid and routine pediatric vaccines as well as his ties to Kennedy and CHD, Kory would have a vested interest in distancing himself from children's deaths from vaccine-preventable illness. But this is dangerous, experts warn, during a measles outbreak where vaccines play a vital role in stopping the spread of disease. A representative for the hospital that treated the first child spoke out against 'misleading and inaccurate claims' about this case being circulated online. 'Our physicians and care teams follow evidence-based protocols and make clinical decisions based on a patient's evolving condition, diagnostic findings, and the best available medical knowledge,' the spokesperson said. CHD did not back down in the wake of the second pediatric measles death early last month. The organization requested hospital records for this case while offering a free e-book — featuring a foreword by Kennedy — on 'secrets the government and media aren't telling you about measles and the measles vaccine.' The book accuses the mainstream media of weaponizing outbreaks 'for political gain.' In an email to their followers on April 7 — the day after the second child's funeral — CHD announced an April 17 webinar event called 'Inside the Measles Deception' featuring Kory, Booker, and Edwards. The restricted event was available only to their donors. On April 8, CHD tweeted, 'Our mission hasn't changed. The MMR vaccine is dangerous and has caused more deaths than measles,' a claim that is totally unsubstantiated. The next day, Kory returned for another CHD video claiming to have reviewed the medical records for the second case and, unsurprisingly, again maintained that the 8-year-old girl did not die from the measles. He said: 'This is just getting exhausting, this constant fear-mongering by the media. I've already lost so much trust in the institutions of society. But to see them rampage like this on inaccuracies and peddling falsehoods and just distortions, it's terrible. It's terrible for our health. They are scaring people into getting what I think is a very dangerous vaccine.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Heartbroken parents of teen stab victim Kory McCrimmon will lead peaceful walk in Glasgow in a bid to stop knife crime
They will also be remembering their beloved lad, a year on from his death JOIN US Heartbroken parents of teen stab victim Kory McCrimmon will lead peaceful walk in Glasgow in a bid to stop knife crime THE GRIEVING family of slain knife victim Kory McCrimmon said his death will not be 'in vain' as they plan a peaceful walk to highlight the dangers of knife crime. The 16-year-old's dad Neil, 57, and mum Elizabeth, 44, will lead the procession on June 8, at 1pm from Ibrox to Celtic Park, near their home in Barrowfield, Glasgow - and encouraged everyone to take part. 2 Kory McCrimmon died aged 16, after being stabbed in the heart by a 13-year-old thug 2 Kory's dad Neil and family have launched the Parents Against Knives, Save Our Kids campaign and wants everyone to join them in tackling knife crime Credit: - Commissioned by The Sun The couple, who have also launched a campaign entitled, Parents Against Knives, Save Our Kids, said: 'This peaceful walk is to continue highlighting the increase in deaths and danger by knife crime and if we can prevent at least one more family going through the inexpressible pain and life shattering grief of a lost child, Kory's death will not be in vain. 'We walk in Kory's name but we stand for all those lives lost to knife violence: too much, too many. No more. 'Come join us in our walk and lend your hearts and voices to making our streets, our young people and our lives safer. "Let's come together for once and all to make a difference that lasts and saves lives.' Read More Scottish News IN THE DOCK Boy in court charged with murder after teen 'stabbed to death' at Scots Beach Kory was stabbed in the heart after a confrontation in a Glasgow park last May. He sadly died two days later, in hospital. The court heard the victim and killer - who was just 13 at the time - had been associated with rival gangs in the area and swapped threats on social media. The killer, now 14, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, had initially been charged with murder but a guilty plea to the lesser crime of culpable homicide was accepted by the crown. He was sentenced to five years in a detention centre earlier this month. The Scottish Government's No Knives Better Lives campaign with national agency YouthLink Scotland has reached out to 120,000 kids about knife crime. Emotional moment balloons are released in memory of Kory McCrimmon Glasgow East MSP John Grady said: 'Kory's family are facing the loss of their son with immense courage. "Their work to highlight the issue is incredibly important.'
Glasgow Times
22-05-2025
- Glasgow Times
Family of Kory McCrimmon plan 'Parents Against Knives' walk in Glasgow
To commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Kory McCrimmon, a 'Parents Against Knives' walk will take place on Sunday, June 8 in Glasgow. Kory, 16, died after he was stabbed in the heart following a confrontation in Greenfield Park in the East End on May 31 last year. READ NEXT: Scots warned to 'not carry weapons' amid concerns over youth violence The walk will begin at Ibrox Stadium at 1pm with the group then walking to Celtic Park. In a post shared on community Facebook page no1seems2care, Kory's family said: "This peaceful walk is to continue highlighting the increase in deaths and danger by knife crime and if we can prevent at least one more family going through the inexpressible pain and life shattering grief of a lost child, Kory's death will not be in vain. "We walk in Kory's name but we stand for all those lives lost to knife violence. "Too much, too many. No more. "Come join us in our walk and lend your hearts and voices to making our streets, our young people and our lives safer. "Let's come together for once and all to make a difference that lasts and saves lives." The Glasgow Times reported earlier this month that a 14-year-old boy who admitted killing Kory following a dispute over £50 was sentenced to five years detention. The pair were associated with rival gangs with threats earlier exchanged on social media. READ NEXT: Peaceful vigil held for teen who died after beach 'attack' Kayden Moy (Image: Police Scotland) The announcement of the walk comes days after the death of Kayden Moy after he was seriously injured at Irvine Beach on Saturday, May 17. Emergency services attended and the 16-year-old, from East Kilbride, was taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock but died a short time later. One 17-year-old boy has been charged in connection with his death while a second 17-year-old has been arrested in connection. Amen Teklay (Image: Police Scotland) Amen Teklay, 15, died after he was found seriously injured on Clarendon Street, Glasgow, on Wednesday, March 5 at around 10.30pm. We previously reported a teenager appeared in court after being charged in connection with his death. The 14-year-old boy allegedly struck Amen with a knife. Court papers further stated the 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy face a separate assault charge. A further charge claims the 14-year-old accused of murder had possession of a knife in the city's Dumbarton Road three days before the killing. The 15-year-old is stated to have had a barrier pole at the same time or place. The two boys made no plea on March 10 at a private hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court. A 16-year-old boy was later also arrested and charged in connection with Amen's death.
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Daily Record
Family of tragic Kory McCrimmon plan 'Parents Against Knives' march from Ibrox to Celtic Park
The family of Kory McCrimmon who was stabbed to death in a gang dispute have announced they will lead a walk in his name just days after another teen lost his life in a youth knife crime incident. The family of tragic teen Kory McCrimmon is calling on Scotland to rise up against youth violenc e a year after their son was stabbed to death in a senseless gang dispute. His mum and dad, Neil and Elizabeth, will lead a peaceful "Parents Against Knives" march from Ibrox to Celtic Park on June 8. The symbolic walk across Glasgow's football divide will mark the first anniversary of Kory's brutal killing on May 31 last year. The march will demand urgent action on Scotland's growing knife crime crisis among kids. Kory was just 16 when he was knifed through the heart in Greenfield Park in Glasgow's east end in a row over £50. His killer, who was 13 at the time, was jailed for five years earlier this month. The pair were associated with rival gangs and had previously exchanged threats to one another on social media. But on the night of Kory's death, the killer stormed into the park alongside a group wielding batons, bats and bladed weapons. During a fight between the pair, the killer struck out with a knife and stabbed Kory in the chest. The schoolboy, who played for Easterhouse Football Academy, died in hospital two days later. Kory's devastated parents have joined other campaigners to turn their grief into action with a walk they hope will wake up the country to a youth knife epidemic claiming too many lives. They said: "We walk in Kory's name, but we stand for all those lives lost to knife violence. Too much, too many. No more. "This peaceful walk is to continue highlighting the increase in deaths and danger by knife crime and if we can prevent at least one more family going through the inexpressible pain and life shattering grief of a lost child, Kory's death will not be in vain. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "Come join us in our walk and lend your hearts and voices to making our streets, our young people and our lives safer. Let's come together for once and all to make a difference that lasts and saves lives." The march will set off from Rangers' Ibrox Stadium at 1pm, heading east to Celtic Park – a united front across tribal lines, aimed at uniting communities behind a single cause of saving lives. Kory's death is part of a disturbing pattern. The Record recently told the harrowing story of Kayden Moy, another Glasgow teen lost to the blade. The schoolboy, from East Kilbride, had been enjoying a day out at Irvine Beach in Ayrshire last Saturday before he suffered fatal stab wounds. A 17-year-old boy has since appeared in court charged with his murder. Kayden is now the third life lost to youth violence in Scotland in under 12 months. As well as Kory, Amen Teklay, 15, died on a Glasgow street on March 5. Two teenagers, aged 14 and 16, previously appeared in court charged with Amen's murder, while a 15-year-old is facing an assault charge. All made no plea. All three deaths have taken place since the Record launched its Our Kids ... Our Future campaign in February 2023 in response to a spate of sickening attacks on kids.
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Our son was stabbed to death at 16 – our hearts go out to Kayden Moy's parents
Kayden Moy lost his life at the weekend following the alleged incident at Irvine beach FAMILY'S PAIN Our son was stabbed to death at 16 – our hearts go out to Kayden Moy's parents Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE dad of stab death victim Kory McCrimmon said his heart goes out to the family of 16-year-old Kayden Moy. Neil, 57, said: 'Kory's mum and I were in bits reading the news, our hearts just go out to the family, we know exactly how they are feeling and it just brought loads of memories back.' Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Kory McCrimmon died following a fatal stabbing at Greenfield Park last June Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 6 Knife crime victim Kory McCrimmon's dad Neil said he heart goes out to Kayden Moy's family Credit: John Kirkby - Commissioned by The Sun 6 Kory was stabbed to death by a 13-year-old last year Credit: Refer to Caption 6 Kayden Moy died in hospital following an alleged incident on Irvine beach at the weekend Credit: Police Scotland Kory was stabbed in the heart after a confrontation in a Glasgow park last May and died two days later in hospital. The court heard the victim and killer - who was just 13 at the time - had been associated with rival gangs in the area and swapped threats on social media. The killer, now 14, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, had initially been charged with murder but a guilty plea to the lesser crime of culpable homicide was accepted by the crown. He was sentenced to five years in a detention centre earlier this month. Neil, of Barrowfield, Glasgow, who is next month planning a walk from Celtic Park to Ibrox to raise awareness for his Parents Against Knives, Save Our Kids campaign called on the government to take notice. He said: 'It's another teen death, within a year of our son's death. If this doesn't make the government sit up and listen, what will? 'The police need more players but the government has taken them away. 'Our youths need more protection. We need to save the young from the young.' Kory was the third youth in Glasgow from alleged knife incidents in the last four years. In 2021, Justin McLaughlin, 14, was stabbed in the heart by a gang rival on a train near the city's High Street station. Daniel Haig, who was 16 when he committed the murder, was jailed for at least 16 years. A court heard that Haig, of Shettleston, and Justin, of nearby Baillieston, were affiliated to rival east end gangs. In March, Amen Teklay, 16, died after being found seriously injured on a street in Glasgow's Maryhill. Police confirmed his death is being treated as 'murder' following a post-mortem examination and that three teens, aged 14, 15, and 16, had been charged in connection. All made no plea. The No Knives Better Lives campaign - which is a collaboration between the Scottish Government and YouthLink Scotland and has so far provided educational sessions to 120,000 young people - is also trying to tackle the issue. 6 Justin McLaughlin, 14, died after he was stabbed to death at Glasgow's High Street station Credit: Police Scotland
