ABOVE VIDEO: Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo, confronts Dr. Anthony Fauci, arguing he has no Fifth Amendment rights due to a pardon.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Senate hearing featuring former White House medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci began with a heated confrontation Wednesday after Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., ordered security to remove one of Fauci’s attorneys from the room.
The dispute unfolded during a hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Fauci repeatedly declined to answer Paul’s questions, invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Tensions escalated when attorney David Schertler, whom Paul identified as one of several lawyers representing Fauci, attempted to speak despite not being recognized by the committee.
“You are not recognized,” Paul warned. “If you are unruly, you will be removed from the proceeding.”
Schertler, who was seated beside Fauci, continued attempting to address the committee, prompting Paul to issue another warning.
“You will respect these proceedings,” Paul said. “You are not invited here for testimony, sir. You are being disruptive.”
Paul told Schertler that Fauci’s attorneys were permitted to advise their client but were not authorized to speak during the hearing. He also said the attorney had previously been instructed to sit in the row behind Fauci instead of at the witness table.
“Another word and you’re gone,” Paul said.
When Schertler continued speaking, Paul directed security to remove him from the hearing room.
“Please remove him from the room,” Paul said.
The confrontation added to an already contentious hearing as senators questioned Fauci about his actions and public statements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
