Photo: Getty Images
Sen. John Fetterman was hospitalized "out of an abundance of caution" after suffering " a ventricular fibrillation flare-up" falling near his home in Braddock, Pennsylvania, his office announced in a post shared on his X account Thursday (November 13).
“During an early morning walk, Senator Fetterman sustained a fall near his home in Braddock," the statement reads. "Out of an abundance of caution, he was transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh. Upon evaluation, it was established he had a ventricular fibrillation flare-up that led to Senator Fetterman feeling light-headed, falling to the ground and hitting his face with minor injuries. Senator Fetterman had this to say: ‘If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!’ He is doing well and receiving routine observation at the hospital. He has opted to stay so doctors can fine-tune his medication regimen. Senator Fetterman is grateful for the EMTs, doctors, and nurses who are providing his care.”
Fetterman, 56, had previously suffered a stroke in May 2022, during his Senate campaign and underwent surgery to have a pacemaker implanted, which became a major talking point from his Republican opponent, Dr. Memhet Oz, who repeatedly questioned whether the then-lieutenant governor was fit to serve in the Senate. The Pennsylvania native shared a letter from his doctor that claimed he had "no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office" weeks before Election Day.
Fetterman was also hospitalized in February 2023 after "feeling lightheaded" during a Senate Democratic retreat in Washington, D.C. The Democratic senator has recently gained national attention for his distancing from his own party, having recently told FOX News' Sean Hannity that Democrats "lost the plot" when former Vice President Kamala Harris began calling President Donald Trump a fascist during her 2024 presidential campaign.