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Anthony Fauci invokes Fifth Amendment right not to answer questions at Covid hearing, calls Sen. Rand Paul ‘unhinged’
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right during a Senate hearing on Covid origins and government pandemic response, refusing to answer questions to avoid potential perjury prosecution by Republicans.
- Fauci accused Senator Rand Paul of using the hearing as a political tool to target him, citing Paul's past calls for Fauci's prosecution and public release of his personal journal.
- Despite Fauci's refusal to answer, Paul continued questioning and warned Fauci of legal repercussions for failing to testify, leading to the removal of Fauci’s lawyer from the hearing room.
- Senate Democrats criticized the hearing as damaging and politically motivated, warning it could deter scientific experts from public service due to fear of harassment and scapegoating.
- Fauci’s attorney condemned Paul’s conduct as obsessive and harmful, emphasizing Fauci’s long career dedicated to public health and signaling potential legal action against Paul for false accusations.
