On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, David Schertler, attorney for Dr. Anthony Fauci, was removed from a Senate hearing by Republican Kentucky Senator Rand Paul. The hearing, held by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, focused on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senator Paul warned Schertler as he began speaking, stating, “You’re not recognized. If you are unruly, you will be removed from the proceeding.” Despite this, Schertler continued to speak, though his comments were inaudible on the broadcast. Paul reminded him that he had been asked not to sit next to Fauci during the inquiry but had insisted on doing so.

Paul clarified that while Fauci’s lawyers could advise the witness, they were not invited to give testimony. He added, “Would you behave this way in a courtroom? No, because the judge would put you in jail.”

Senator Gary Peters intervened, expressing interest in hearing from Schertler, but Paul proceeded to summon security to remove the attorney as Schertler began to respond. Paul remarked, “And so, look, this is the way Anthony Fauci wants to be remembered — for a lawyer not listening to the rules.”

During the hearing, Fauci himself repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment on advice of counsel, refusing to answer Paul’s questions.

Sources