Top 5 moments from Fauci's Senate hearing: From 111 Fifth Amendment pleas to attorney's removal

WASHINGTON, DC: Former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr Anthony Fauci appeared before the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday, July 29,  for a hearing focused on the government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, including its origins, federal research funding and public health decisions.

In his opening statement, Fauci accused Committee Chairman Rand Paul of being "obsessed" with seeking his prosecution and argued the hearing was intended to get him to say "something, anything" that could justify calls to put him "behind bars." Here are the five biggest moments from the hearing that went on for nearly four hours. 

Anthony Fauci invokes Fifth Amendment 111 times

Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment at least 111 times, refusing to answer questions on the origins of Covid-19, US funding for gain-of-function research in China and communications involving his former senior adviser David Morens.

Paul also questioned Fauci about an interagency funding arrangement involving the CIA and NIAID, as well as emails and record-keeping practices, including a message in which Fauci wrote to former NIH Director Francis Collins, "Please delete this email after you read it." Fauci declined to respond to those questions. 

Rand Paul orders Anthony Fauci's attorney removed from hearing

The hearing turned confrontational when Paul ordered the Capitol Police to escort Fauci's attorney, David Schertler, from the room after he repeatedly attempted to interrupt proceedings and speak without recognition. 

"You are not recognized, sir," Paul said before instructing, "Security, please remove him from the room." Schertler had sought to reference a letter previously sent to Paul regarding the investigation but was escorted out after the exchange.

Republicans confront Anthony Fauci over pandemic policies

Several Republican senators sharply criticized Fauci's role during the pandemic, questioning lockdown recommendations, school closures and public health restrictions.

Senator Bernie Moreno recounted the arrest of an Ohio family attending an outdoor high school football game during the pandemic before asking Fauci, "Who do you think you were for doing that?"

Senator Ashley Moody also cited Fauci's recently released diaries, reading entries in which he described urging then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to close schools, bars and restaurants. Moody questioned how those entries aligned with Fauci's previous public statements denying that he had recommended nationwide lockdowns.

Hawley questions Anthony Fauci over prize money allegations

Senator Josh Hawley accused Fauci of using federal employees and government resources to help secure more than $1 million in personal prize awards while serving as NIAID director.

Hawley listed several awards, including the Dan David Award and Smithsonian honors, alleging that eight federal employees assisted with applications during work hours using taxpayer-funded resources. When asked whether those allegations were accurate, Fauci declined to answer.

Joni Ernst raises NIH-funded fetal tissue research

Senator Joni Ernst questioned Fauci about NIH-funded coronavirus research involving human fetal tissue, citing research conducted by University of North Carolina scientist Dr Ralph Baric and colleagues.

Ernst said researchers implanted tissue from aborted fetuses into laboratory mice, referring to what they described as "BLT-L" mice, before asking Fauci whether he believed such research should continue. Fauci again invoked his Fifth Amendment rights.