.By Mary Clare Jalonick and Eric Tucker

Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., stepped aside as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday after the FBI served a search warrant for his phone as part of an ongoing insider-trading investigation tied to the coronavirus pandemic.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced the move, saying he and Burr had agreed it was in the Senate's best interests.

FBI officials showed up at Burr's home with the warrant on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation into the Justice Department's investigation into whether Burr broke the law with a well-timed sale of stocks before the coronavirus caused markets to plummet,

The Justice Department declined to comment. His attorney did not respond to phone and email messages, but said last month that the law is clear that any senator can participate in stock market trading based on public information "as Sen. Burr did."

Share:
More In Politics
Between Bells: February 7, 2018
On Between Bells: Government shutdown showdown, technology addiction, and big changes at New York Fashion Week. With Esquire, PCMag, Chat Sports, YourTango, and more.
Closing Bell: February 6, 2018
After two straight days of sell-offs, the major indexes waffled on Wall Street Tuesday. Space X's Falcon Heavy launched into space Tuesday afternoon. Disney, Chipotle and Snap report earnings.
Between Bells: February 6, 2018
This Changes Things: Advice for the executives and leaders of tomorrow, brought to you by American Express OPEN. On Between Bells: Falcon Heavy launch, Olympic preview, and more. With Bacardi, FHM, and Entrepreneur.
Closing Bell: February 5, 2018
Dow Jones industrials fell more than 1,500 points on Monday. This marked the largest single-day point drop in history. SpaceX planning to launch its Falcon Heavy rocket Tuesday. Bitcoin dives under $7,000 for the first time since November. The Super Bowl sees its lowest rating since 2009, down 7% from 2017.
Between Bells: February 5, 2018
On Between Bells: More memos, more problems for both parties. Best Super Bowl ads, and Keeping Secrets with the Kardashians. With Rare Media, Gov. John W. Hickenlooper, The Young Turks, Diply, and Zimbio.
Women Who Run: Lauren Underwood
First they marched, now they're running. Lauren Underwood is one of the many first-time female candidates seeking public office in 2018. She joins Cheddar to discuss why the time is right to challenge the GOP incumbent in Illinois' 14th congressional district.
Load More