Former U.S. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield has reignited the debate over the origin of COVID-19 by suggesting that the virus may have been intentionally engineered and possibly originated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In a recent interview with YouTube podcaster Dana Parish on November 14, Dr. Redfield shared his insights on the potential role of U.S. agencies and scientists in the development of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the global pandemic.
“There is a real possibility that the virus’ birthplace was Chapel Hill,” Dr. Redfield stated during the 91-minute interview. He elaborated on his belief that the virus was “intentionally engineered as part of a bio-defense program.”
When questioned about the United States’ involvement in the virus’s origin, Dr. Redfield responded, “I think it was substantial.” He highlighted that multiple U.S. agencies had funded the research leading up to the virus’s development. “One is they funded the research both from NIH (National Institutes of Health), the State Department, USAID (United States Agency for International Development), and the Defense Department. All four of those agencies helped fund this research,” he explained.
Dr. Redfield also pointed to the involvement of Dr. Ralph Baric, a researcher at the University of North Carolina. “The scientific mastermind behind this research is a guy named Ralph Baric at the University of North Carolina, and he was very involved in this research. I think he probably helped create some of the original viral lines, but I can’t prove that,” he said.
Despite his assertions, Dr. Redfield acknowledged the lack of definitive evidence to substantiate his claims. His remarks have nonetheless sparked renewed interest and discussion among scientists, policymakers, and the general public about the origins of COVID-19 and the ethical considerations of bio-defense research.
The ongoing debate over the origin of the virus continues to have significant implications for global health policies, international relations, and future pandemic preparedness. Dr. Redfield’s comments add a new dimension to the discourse, emphasizing the need for transparency and thorough investigation.
Reference(s):
Virus behind COVID 'intentionally engineered,' says U.S. CDC ex-chief
cgtn.com
