Senator John Fetterman Released from Hospital After Fall

BRADDOCK, Pa. — U.S. Senator John Fetterman is back home after spending two days in a Pittsburgh hospital following a fall on Thursday due to a ventricular fibrillation flare-up. Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, announced his release on social media, expressing gratitude for the support he received.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Fetterman shared a photo showing injuries to his face, including cuts requiring 20 stitches, and wrote, “20 stitches later and a full recovery, I’m back home with @giselefetterman and the kids. I’m overwhelmed + profoundly grateful for all the well-wishes.” He concluded the message with, “See you back in DC.”

Fetterman fell while on a morning walk near his home in Braddock. His spokesperson said the senator felt lightheaded, which resulted from a ventricular fibrillation event, leading to his fall. After evaluation, it was decided that Fetterman would remain in the hospital for his doctors to adjust his medication.

“Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart’s lower chambers beat chaotically, preventing effective blood circulation,” explained Dr. Joshua Cooper, a cardiac electrophysiologist. “It’s a medical emergency and can cause sudden cardiac arrest.”

This incident marks a continuation of health challenges for Fetterman, who survived a stroke just before the 2022 primary elections. He has openly discussed the impact of that stroke and subsequent mental health struggles, including depression.

“It changed my life,” he said in a recent interview. “The message I’d convey to others in similar situations is… whoever is in your life, they need you.”

Since taking office in 2023, Fetterman has been a prominent figure in the Senate. He often takes centrist stances and has even broken with the Democratic Party on issues, like during the government shutdown, where he supported a Republican funding plan.

Fetterman’s first Senate term is set to run until January 2028. His future candidacy remains uncertain as he navigates these health issues and their implications on his political career.