Dr. Anthony Fauci, a controversial figure from the COVID-19 pandemic era in the US, faces legal threats from states despite a federal presidential pardon. Republican officials in Alabama and Florida announced they have launched investigations into the former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, in a statement to Fox News Digital, argued that the sweeping pardon signed by President Joe Biden does not prevent prosecutions at the state level. 'Fauci is responsible for the deaths of millions of Americans and tens of thousands of Alabamians. The pardon Biden churned out with his signature machine does not cover state crimes,' Tuberville said, adding that if he wins the gubernatorial election in November, he will bring Fauci to Montgomery and prosecute him on as many state charges as possible.
Tuberville, saying 'We will either put him in prison or he will be in court every day for the rest of his life,' called on all Alabamians to file civil lawsuits against Fauci. Fauci had recently invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent a full 111 times during his testimony before the Senate.
Florida investigation into Fauci
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also confirmed they have launched a comprehensive investigation into Fauci's activities during the COVID-19 era. Attorney General's Office spokesperson Jae Williams said, 'Our investigation will focus on what Fauci knew, when he knew it, and how he misled the American people. We will examine the physical and material harm he caused Floridians through his deceptions.'
Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins spoke to Fox News Digital, expressing full support for the investigation. Collins said, 'Because of Fauci, families were threatened, our children couldn't go to school. As a 100% disabled retired veteran, I couldn't get prosthetic care without taking a vaccine I didn't want.' Defending Governor Ron DeSantis, Collins said, 'DeSantis became America's governor. When Fauci and the federal government attacked him, he stood tall.'
Similar plan from California
Republican gubernatorial candidate in California Steve Hilton also announced he has prepared a similar plan. In a Facebook post, Hilton said, 'When I become governor, we will establish a COVID Accountability Commission. We will examine everyone who caused so much pain and suffering in this public policy disaster.'
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, in an interview with Fox News, described Fauci as 'the most destructive bureaucrat in US history.' After it emerged that Fauci made disparaging comments about him in his diary, DeSantis responded, 'The insults from this man are a badge of honor.'
Fauci has not yet responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment through his lawyer.
