Rand Paul tosses Dr. Anthony Fauci's lawyer out of hearing in fiery exchange

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) faced criticism Wednesday from Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) during a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing, where Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer questions.

Paul, the committee chairman, called the hearing to question Fauci about the origins of COVID-19.

When Fauci's attorney David Schertler attempted to speak on his client's behalf, Paul warned, "Another word and you're gone!" and had security remove him from the room, AOL reported.

Blumenthal denounced Paul's conduct, characterizing the hearing as a "years-long crusade" that began when Fauci contradicted Trump.

Blumenthal read from Schertler's letter citing Paul's public statements calling for Fauci's imprisonment as evidence the hearing aimed to entrap rather than inform.

"You are single-mindedly fixated on seeing Dr. Fauci prosecuted for imaginary crimes, and you are so invested in that outcome that you have created a personal brand around it."

But Paul defended his decision, "In no courtroom in America can you have your witness plead the Fifth Amendment, then have your attorney get to testify."

He warned Fauci of "repercussions" for refusing to answer directed questions.

Watch the video below.