South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson (R-Springdale), 77, was hospitalized Tuesday night for “stroke-like symptoms” following a fall at an event in Washington DC.
“Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) was taken ill and is being evaluated at a local hospital in Washington, DC,” the longtime politician’s office posted to X.
Wilson, who has represented South Carolina’s 2nd District since 2001, was experiencing “stroke-like symptoms,” according to his son South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.
“I just spoke to my mom who is currently at the hospital with my father. Doctors have confirmed to us that he has experienced stroke-like symptoms,” the younger Wilson said on X. “I was able to speak with him moments ago and I am incredibly thankful that he is stable and being monitored by medical professionals.”
Wilson was at a Ukrainian Independence Day celebration, according to Politico. He received medical treatment from a doctor among the event’s attendees.
Members of the South Carolina congressional delegation shared their thoughts following their colleague’s hospitalization.
“Praying for a full and speedy recovery for my friend,” Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) said.
“Prayers up for Congressman Wilson and his family tonight,” Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) wrote. “Have spoken to the family and I ask we all send a positive vibe and a prayer his way tonight and may he recover as fast as humanly possible.”
Wilson took part in two series of votes on the House floor and was joking with reporters on Capitol Hill earlier Tuesday afternoon, according to NBC News
Congress reconvened Monday following its month-long summer break.
Wilson, the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, had been on a trips to the Philippines, Australia and Europe and met NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
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Following his overseas visits, Wilson returned home to South Carolina to campaign for his upcoming election against Democrat David Robinson II.
Wilson’s district encompasses western and central parts of the state, including Lexington and Aiken counties.
The father of four made headlines when he shouted “you lie!” during then-President Obama’s joint address to Congress on Sept. 9, 2009.
Obama was discussing his health-care plan when he said claims of illegal immigrants getting health coverage were false, which led to Wilson’s outburst.
The congressman was later “admonished” when the House voted 240-to-179 along party lines to “disapprove” of Wilson’s shouting calling it a “breach of decorum” and said the South Carolina Republican had “degraded the proceedings” and brought “discredit” to the body.
Wilson apologized to the White House after his outburst, but said there were “far more important issues” confronting the nation.
