An aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked emergency responders responding to the secretary's home to proceed with “cautious caution,” according to audio of a 911 call.
The aide requested that ambulances not use sirens or lights during the journey to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The newly released 911 call is the latest development in Austin's secret hospital visit, which was kept secret from President Biden and other senior administration officials.
“Is it possible that an ambulance doesn't show up with lights and sirens on? We're trying to be a little less visible,” the aide told first responders over the phone.
The dispatcher responded that ambulances are legally required to use lights and sirens when driving on highways, but added that “the lights are usually turned off when entering a residential area.”
White House begins review of Cabinet protocols following secret hospitalization of Defense Secretary: Memo
An aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked paramedics responding to the secretary's home to tread “carefully,” according to audio from the call. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Austin first arrived at the hospital on New Year's Day and remained there for two weeks before being discharged on Tuesday. He is expected to work from home “for a period of time.”
Defense Division Officer Lloyd Austin is in “good condition,'' approaching two weeks in hospital: Pentagon official
“The Secretary will be recuperating and working remotely for a period of time before returning full-time.” Pentagon. He will have full access to the necessary secure communications capabilities,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospital visit was kept secret from President Biden and other administration officials. (Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Doctors provided information about his stay after his release this week. Dr. John Maddox, chief of trauma medicine, and Dr. Gregory Chestnut, director of the Center for Prostate Disease Research, said he did not undergo surgery.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin diagnosed with prostate cancer
Doctors said, “Secretary Austin is recovering well during his stay and is regaining his physical strength.'' “He underwent a series of treatments medical test During his stay, he received non-surgical treatments to address his medical needs, including resolving persistent leg pain. ”
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee at the Capitol on October 31, 2023 in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Senator/File)
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It was confirmed last week that Austin had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Despite the apparent lack of communication, President Biden told reporters Friday outside Allentown, Pennsylvania, that he has confidence in Austin, who will resume his duties as defense secretary.
“i will do it,” president biden In response to a question about whether he trusts the leadership of the Pentagon chief, he said:
FOX News' Lawrence Richard contributed to this report.
