Energy Department Report Concludes with “Low Confidence” that COVID-19 Pandemic Originated from Laboratory Leak

A new classified report from the U.S. Energy Department has concluded with “low confidence” that it is plausible the COVID-19 pandemic originated from a laboratory leak, according to two sources familiar with the U.S. government’s pandemic origins investigation.

The report, obtained by The Wall Street Journal, is an update to a 2021 report by the office of Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines. It was not clear if the “low confidence” assessment by the Department of Energy reflected weak data or the quantity of information, but it has nevertheless rekindled an ongoing debate that continues to roil the political, scientific and intelligence communities.

The Energy Department operates a network of national labs that include some of the government’s most qualified biologists handling bioscience and biotechnology research. The report allegedly lays bare the spectrum of conclusions made by eight different government agencies, including the Energy Department, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the Department of Defense.

The U.S. government has been investigating the origins of the pandemic since the start of the outbreak in late 2019. While the Energy Department’s conclusion is the latest development in the ongoing investigation, it is not the final word. The report is expected to be released in the coming weeks and will provide further insight into the government’s findings.

The Energy Department’s conclusion is the latest development in the ongoing investigation into the origins of the pandemic. While the report is expected to provide further insight into the government’s findings, it is not the final word on the matter. As the debate continues to roil the political, scientific and intelligence communities, the public awaits the release of the report in the coming weeks.