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FBI seizes Sen. Richard Burr’s phone amid investigation into pre-pandemic stock sale, reports say

Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, arrives as House and Senate lawmakers from both parties gather for a classified briefing in a secure room about the federal investigation into President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 24, 2018. Trump is calling his newest attempt at discrediting special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation "spygate" amid reports that a longtime U.S. government informant approached members of his campaign during the 2016 presidential election in a possible bid to glean intelligence on Russian efforts to sway the election. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
by: WRTV Staff
Posted: / Updated:

  • The FBI conducted a search warrant on Sen. Richard Burr (R-North Carolina), multiple media outlets report.
  • Burr sold millions in stock in the weeks ahead of the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic meltdown.
  • Burr is a member of the Senate Intel Committee and received briefings on the virus.
  • He maintains that he relied on public media reports when making financial decisions.

The FBI has seized the cellphone of Sen. Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) in connection with an investigation into Burr’s sale of stocks in the weeks leading up to the coronavirus pandemic’s arrival in the United States, according to The Los Angeles Times and NBC News.

Burr reportedly turned over his phone after federal agents conducted a search warrant at his home in Washington.

In March, reports emerged that Burr quietly sold $1.6 million worth of stocks in the weeks before COVID-19 reached the U.S. Privately, Burr told donors that the virus would have dire consequences for Americans. But publicly, he told his constituents not to worry about the virus.

Burr has maintained that he relied on public news sources while making financial decisions. Burr is a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and received confidential briefings on the virus’ potential impact from the nation’s top health experts.

According to NBC News, Burr has previously stated that he will not seek re-election. He was previously last elected in 2016, and his term expires in 2022.

Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Georgia) also sold substantial amounts of stock in the weeks leading up to the coronavirus pandemic.

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