Alabama and Florida officials announce state investigations into Dr. Anthony Fauci's COVID-19 actions
State attorneys in Alabama and Florida say Biden's pardon does not shield Dr. Anthony Fauci from potential state-level criminal or civil liability for his role in the COVID-19 response.
State officials in Alabama and Florida said they will examine whether Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, can be held accountable under state law for decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Alabama, Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor, stated that a presidential pardon covers only federal offenses and does not protect Fauci from state prosecution. He said he will explore legal avenues to hold Fauci accountable for deaths in the state.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, through his press secretary, confirmed that the office is reviewing “any and all potential violations of Florida law” related to Fauci’s actions, focusing on what Fauci knew, when he knew it, and whether his statements misled the public.
Both offices indicated that civil lawsuits by families of pandemic victims could also be pursued.
The investigations follow a Senate hearing in which Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right 111 times. Senators have argued that the Biden administration’s blanket pardon removes only federal criminal exposure, not state-level liability.