Robert Kennedy Jr. now running for president as independent

Crowd gathered for Kennedy announcement (Team Kennedy / YouTube)

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (CBS) — Environmental attorney and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday that he is dropping his Democratic primary bid. He will now be running for president as an independent.

Kennedy traveled to Philadelphia to make the announcement on Monday morning. Supporters gathered at Philadelphia’s Independence Mall.

He stood in front of a large crowd with a banner behind him reading “Declare Your Independence,” a new slogan for his campaign.

Much of his speech dialed in on the massive divide in the United States between the republicans and democrats.

The Associated Press reported that “among Kennedy’s fans in the crowd were several voters who said they don’t identify as Democratic or Republican and view Kennedy as a truth teller and a breath of fresh air.”

Kennedy said he takes inspiration from the one other president who did not commit to any political party: George Washington.

“They are ready to reclaim their freedom, their independence. And that’s why I’m here today. I’m here to declare myself an independent candidate for President of the United States,” Kennedy said.

In his speech, Kennedy stated that he wants to hear from people of all walks of life, and he believes the current system of left and right is corrupt.

“He draws crowds, and they are full of democrats, republicans and independents, all in one place. What that’s telling me is that Americans want to work together,” said Kennedy’s wife, Cheryl Hines.