Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., questioned Dr. Robert Garry, a medical expert who disagrees with the lab leak theory for COVID-19’s origins, during a hearing on Tuesday. Paul expressed his concerns about Garry’s lack of open-mindedness regarding the virus’s origins, pointing out that while Garry mentioned the virus may have passed through an intermediate host, no animal host has been identified despite testing 90,000 animals. Paul suggested that the animal host could potentially be a laboratory animal that the virus was passed through, accelerating the adaptation of the virus to humans.
Additionally, Paul referenced the work of Dr. Alina Chan, who has highlighted the quick transmissibility of the virus in humans, suggesting that it may have been pre-adapted in a lab. Paul also took aim at Dr. Anthony Fauci and others, questioning the contradictory statements made publicly and privately regarding the lab leak theory.
During the hearing, Garry defended his position by pointing to evidence of COVID-19 spillover into the public at the Wuhan food market on at least two occasions, where the virus is believed to have originated.
Overall, the exchange between Sen. Rand Paul and Dr. Robert Garry shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding the origins of COVID-19, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation and consideration of all possible scenarios. The differing perspectives presented during the hearing underscore the complex nature of the issue and the importance of approaching it with an open mind and a commitment to uncovering the truth for the benefit of public health and safety.