Day: April 25, 2024

(The Hill) — Anthony Fauci, former chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden, will testify before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on June 3, making it the first time he will appear before a congressional panel since leaving government work at the end of 2022.

Subcommittee Chair Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, announced the hearing Wednesday. Fauci had committed to testify late last year along with agreeing to two days of interviews, which took place in January.

The closed-door interviews focused on gain-of-function research, alleged federal records violations, conflicts of interest and confusions around pandemic guidance. Fauci was joined by two attorneys during the entire course of the interviews.

“During Dr. Fauci’s closed-door interview in January, he testified to serious systemic failures in our public health system that deserve further investigation, including his testimony that the ‘6 feet apart’ social distancing guidance — which was used to shut down small businesses and schools across America — ‘sort of just appeared,’” Wenstrup said in a statement.

“As the face of America’s public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these statements raise serious questions that warrant public scrutiny.”

All that is known regarding what was discussed during the interviews is what members have relayed to reporters. Lawmakers said the longtime government scientists provided a great deal of clarification during the meeting, though Wenstrup said Fauci claimed he did not recall details about the pandemic numerous times during the interview.

Wenstrup said a transcript of the meeting would be released prior to the June hearing.

OKLAHOMA CITY (NewsNation) — A vacation to Turks and Caicos turned into a nightmare for one Oklahoma couple.

Ryan and Valerie Watson visited the islands for a birthday trip earlier this month. But just as they were about to head home, they were stopped by airport security. Confusion turned into terror as they were escorted to the police station.

A ‘bonehead mistake’

Airport authorities claimed to have found ammunition in Ryan Watson’s carry-on luggage. He called it a “bonehead mistake” and one that was accidental, but a new law has him facing up to a dozen years in prison.

Ryan Watson was granted bail Wednesday but is being forced to remain in Turks and Caicos away from his wife and children.

There are no answers to when he will be able to return home, and his next court date isn’t for another six weeks on June 7.

Valerie Watson, who just returned home to the U.S., told NewsNation that she can’t believe this is happening. She said it has been a hard transition, especially since their kids have questioned where their dad is and when he will be home. It has been a very difficult process for her to navigate as her kids process their emotions, she said.

“Being in our home without him is really weird. It’s been busy. I really haven’t even spent much time with the kids yet. This is our new reality, and it’s pretty terrible,” Valerie Watson said.

Valerie Watson was allowed to fly home Tuesday and was greeted by her family, friends and children. She said she’s terrified that her husband is facing 12 years in prison for something they say was an honest mistake. Plus, she explained that the ammunition wasn’t even caught by the Transportation Security Administration before their flight out of the U.S.

Ryan Watson is an avid hunter, and the bullets were left in the bag from a previous hunting trip to Texas earlier this year.

Turks and Caicos laws differ from US

In the U.S., bullets found by airport security typically just results in a fine. But in Turks and Caicos, lawmakers passed a bill creating a 12-year minimum prison sentence for anyone caught bringing a firearm or ammunition to the islands.

On Wednesday, the U.S. government issued a warning to tourists headed to the the islands.

“Carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing from the United States. If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, even inadvertently, we will not be able to secure your release from custody,” the U.S. Embassy in Nassau warned.

A Watson family friend told NewsNation that both Valerie and Ryan Watson were happy about the accelerated pace at which the case is moving, noting there are other Americans who have been accused of similar crimes and are still awaiting justice.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up for the family to help with expenses, and so far, more than $130,000 has been raised.