- Senator Rand Paul ejected Dr. Fauci's attorney from Congress during a Senate hearing after a heated exchange.
- Senator Paul warned the attorney of 'consequences' for Fauci's refusal to testify, stating, 'You are not invited here for testimony, sir. You are being disruptive.'
- The intense exchange ended with Senator Paul instructing security to remove the attorney, a decision met with applause from the room.
- David Schertler, Anthony Fauci’s lawyer, was ordered removed from a Senate hearing after he attempted to defend Fauci, who refused to answer questions about the origins of the pandemic.
- Senator Paul stated that the attorneys were allowed in the room but not authorized to testify.
- Senator Paul pointed out that the attorney was directed not to sit at the table but did so anyway.
- Senator Paul remarked, 'This is the way Anthony Fauci wants to be remembered for not listening to the rules,' before directing security to remove the attorney.
- Rand Paul defended his decision to eject Schertler from the hearing, stating, 'You don’t get to do that. That’s one thing you give up when you take the Fifth Amendment.'
- Schertler claimed Fauci has a 'valid Fifth Amendment privilege and he has the right to assert it,' which he attempted to communicate to the committee.
Senator Rand Paul escalated tensions during a Senate hearing by ejecting Dr. Anthony Fauci's attorney, David Schertler, after he attempted to speak in defense of Fauci, who invoked his Fifth Amendment rights. Paul warned of 'consequences' for Fauci's refusal to testify, stating, "You don’t get to do that. That’s one thing you give up when you take the Fifth Amendment," before directing security to remove Schertler.1489
The hearing, held by the Senate Homeland Security Committee, saw Fauci decline to answer questions regarding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing his legal rights. Paul emphasized that while attorneys were allowed in the room, they were not authorized to testify, pointing out that Schertler was "disruptive" and had been directed not to sit at the table.
The intense exchange culminated in applause from attendees as Schertler was escorted out. In a statement post-hearing, Schertler defended Fauci's actions, asserting that he has a "valid Fifth Amendment privilege and he has the right to assert it." Paul’s actions reflect ongoing partisan tensions surrounding Fauci, who has faced scrutiny throughout the pandemic.3
As the hearing progressed, Fauci repeatedly stated, "On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution."
“David Schertler, Fauci's lawyer, was removed after attempting to defend Fauci, who refused to answer questions about the pandemic's origins. Paul remarked, 'This is the way Anthony Fauci wants to be remembered for not listening to the rules,' before directing security to remove Schertler.”
The IndependentThe Independent
