John Fetterman Hospitalized After Cardiac Episode and Fall

Senator John Fetterman was hospitalized Thursday morning after suffering a cardiac-related incident that caused him to fall near his home in Braddock, Pennsylvania.

According to his office, Fetterman experienced a flare-up of ventricular fibrillation, a serious form of irregular heart rhythm. The episode left him lightheaded, leading to a fall that caused minor facial injuries. He was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital for evaluation and remains under observation.

His spokesperson said he is doing well and that he has chosen to stay in the hospital while doctors adjust his medication regimen. In typical fashion, Fetterman made light of the situation, joking, “If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now.”

Fetterman has a history of heart issues, including atrial fibrillation diagnosed in 2017 and a near-fatal stroke in 2022 that impacted his speech and auditory processing. Despite those challenges, he won his Senate race later that year.

This latest health scare came just days after he returned home from Washington, where he played a key role in votes to reopen the government. He was one of the few Senate Democrats who repeatedly voted with Republicans—15 times in total—during the shutdown standoff, breaking ranks with his party.

His office has not given a timeline for his discharge.