US Senator John Fetterman Hospitalized After Fall, Marks Fourth Medical Scare Since Taking Office

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has been hospitalized in Pittsburgh after suffering a fall near his home in Braddock, his office confirmed on Thursday.

According to his spokesperson, the Democratic lawmaker was on a morning walk when he became light-headed, collapsed, and sustained minor facial injuries. Medical evaluation later revealed the episode was triggered by a ventricular fibrillation flare-up. He was taken to the hospital “out of an abundance of caution” and is reported to be stable.

“Senator Fetterman is doing well and undergoing routine observation,” the spokesperson said, adding that he has chosen to remain in the hospital as doctors adjust his medication.

In a light-hearted remark included in the statement, Fetterman joked, “If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!”

It is not yet known how long he will stay under medical care. Lawmakers are currently in their home districts following the passage of a funding bill that reopened the federal government earlier this week. The Senate is expected to reconvene in Washington next week.

This marks Fetterman’s fourth notable medical incident since assuming office.

In May 2022, during his Senate campaign, he suffered a severe stroke caused by a blood clot linked to atrial fibrillation. He later underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator. The stroke left him with an auditory processing disorder, requiring the use of closed-captioning technology for communication.

In February 2023, Fetterman was briefly hospitalized after experiencing lightheadedness, though doctors confirmed it was not another stroke. Later that month, he voluntarily admitted himself to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for six weeks to receive treatment for clinical depression, a common post-stroke condition.

Since then, the senator has openly advocated for mental health awareness while continuing his legislative duties.