WASHINGTON, D.C.— Following reports that Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Richard Burr sold off a vast quantity of stock, and warned attendees at a private lunch of the dire economic effects of coronavirus, after having publicly downplayed the threat, PFAW President Michael Keegan released the following statement:

“Senator Burr’s corrupt self-dealing has betrayed the public trust. As chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator Burr received up-to-the-minute information about the real threat of coronavirus and then reportedly used this information to his own advantage and that of a privileged group of associates. His decision to downplay the risk in public while moving to protect his own financial interests and warn a small, privileged group of the severity of the threats, is appalling behavior in the current crisis. Senator Burr has often been a voice of reason on the Intelligence Committee and frankly, we expected better of him. This is a severe disappointment.”

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.