Northeast Florida Congressman John Rutherford is recovering in a hospital after experiencing a medical emergency in the U.S. Capitol late Wednesday.
According to a statement from Rutherford’s Chief of Staff Kelly Simpson, the Republican from Florida’s 4th Congressional District experienced an acute digestive flare up, and not a heart attack as widely reported.
“Doctors are happy to report that all of his vitals look great,” said Simpson in the statement released early Thursday morning. “While he will briefly remain in the hospital to treat the inflammation, the Congressman’s care providers expect that he will be back to full strength in little time.”
Rutherford experienced significant discomfort while outside the House chamber Wednesday night, said Simpson, and received medical care in the Capitol before being evacuated to a local hospital.
Rutherford, the former Duval County Sheriff, was elected to Congress in November and sworn into office in early January.
