Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was hospitalized Thursday after a fall near his home in Western Pennsylvania left him with facial injuries. According to a spokesperson, the Pennsylvania Democrat was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital “out of an abundance of caution.”
“During an early morning walk, Senator Fetterman sustained a fall near his home in Braddock,” the spokesperson said.
Doctors later determined the fall was caused by a “ventricular fibrillation flare-up” that left Fetterman light-headed before he hit the ground. “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,” the spokesperson added. “He is doing well and receiving routine observation at the hospital. He has opted to stay so doctors can fine-tune his medication regimen.”
True to form, Fetterman reportedly kept his sense of humor despite the scare. “If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!” he joked in a statement.
The incident comes just days after Fetterman returned from Washington, where he joined Senate Republicans in a key vote Monday night to reopen the government. He’s also been keeping a busy schedule promoting his new memoir, Unfettered, released Tuesday. The book takes a raw look at his battle with clinical depression following his 2022 stroke and his first months serving in the Senate.
Fetterman’s health has been a focus since that stroke, but his team insists he’s in stable condition and being monitored closely. For now, the senator is expected to remain in the hospital for observation while doctors adjust his medications.
