Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on Saturday that her office will investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, following his testimony at a Senate hearing on Wednesday.
The investigation marks the third state-led probe into Fauci, joining those already initiated by Alabama and Florida. Murrill stated that her office will examine whether Fauci committed any offenses under state law, citing his invocation of the Fifth Amendment 111 times during the hearing.
Core Facts of the Investigation
- Louisiana’s action: Attorney General Murrill confirmed the state’s investigation into Fauci, emphasizing that his prior depositions and Senate testimony are under review.
- Fauci’s Fifth Amendment use: During the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 111 times, declining to answer lawmakers’ questions.
State-Level Scrutiny Expands
Murrill’s announcement follows similar moves by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who confirmed on Thursday that his office is reviewing “any and all potential violations of Florida law.” Uthmeier stated that the investigation would proceed regardless of Fauci’s federal pardon from President Joe Biden.
Louisiana’s Rationale
Murrill cited Fauci’s prior depositions, where he claimed to lack recall of key details, as a factor in the decision. She referenced “contemporaneous records” that have since come to light, suggesting discrepancies between his testimony and documented actions. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a former state attorney general, endorsed the probe, stating his support for the investigation.
Federal Pardon and State Authority
The investigations come despite Fauci receiving a presidential pardon from Biden, which applies only to federal offenses. Legal experts cited in reports noted that state prosecutions remain possible, as presidential pardons do not extend to violations of state law. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama reiterated this distinction, emphasizing that state authorities retain jurisdiction.
Background: Senate Hearing and Prior Depositions
The Senate hearing, held on Wednesday, focused on Fauci’s role in the COVID-19 pandemic response. Fauci’s repeated invocation of the Fifth Amendment drew significant attention, with lawmakers questioning his memory of key decisions. Separately, Louisiana and Missouri had previously deposed Fauci as part of state-level inquiries, where he reportedly provided limited responses.
Legal and Political Implications
The expanding state investigations highlight ongoing political and legal scrutiny of Fauci’s actions during the pandemic. While the probes are in early stages, they reflect broader efforts by Republican-led states to hold federal officials accountable for pandemic policies. The outcomes of these investigations could have implications for future federal-state legal dynamics regarding public health decisions.