South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson (R-Springdale), 77, was hospitalized Tuesday night after suffering “stroke-like symptoms” after falling during an event in Washington, D.C.
“Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) is feeling unwell and is undergoing evaluation at a local hospital in Washington, DC,” the veteran politician's office said in a statement. Posted in X.
Wilson, who has represented South Carolina's 2nd District since 2001, had been experiencing “stroke-like symptoms,” according to his son, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.
“I spoke to my mother who is in the hospital with my father right now and the doctors have confirmed that he experienced stroke-like symptoms,” Wilson said. I said it in X. “I was able to speak with him earlier and we are very grateful that he is in stable condition and is being monitored by medical professionals.”
Wilson was attending the Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations. According to PoliticoHe received treatment from a doctor attending the event.
Members of South Carolina's congressional delegation shared their thoughts following their colleague's hospitalization.
“I pray for my friend's full and speedy recovery,” Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) said.
“My prayers are with Rep. Wilson and his family tonight,” wrote Rep. Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina). “I have spoken with the family and tonight we are all sending positivity and prayers to Rep. Wilson and hoping for his speedy recovery.”
Wilson took part in both votes on the House floor and joked with reporters at the Capitol early Tuesday afternoon. According to NBC News:
Parliament returned on Monday after a month-long summer recess.
Wilson, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, has visited the Philippines, Australia and Europe and met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
Following his overseas visit, Wilson returned to South Carolina to campaign for the upcoming election against Democrat David Robinson II.
Wilson's district covers the western and central parts of the state, including Lexington and Aiken counties.
The father of four made headlines on September 9, 2009, when he yelled “Liar!” during then-President Obama's joint address to Congress.
While discussing his health care reform plan, President Obama said it was false to claim that illegal immigrants have access to health care, infuriating Wilson.
Wilson was later “reprimanded” when the House, in a party-line vote of 240-179, “disapproved” of his yelling, calling it a “breach of civility” and saying the South Carolina Republican had “degraded the proceedings” and brought “dishonor” to Congress.
Wilson apologized to the White House after the remarks but said there were “far more important issues” facing the country.
