Pentagon: Austin Hospitalized Due to Emergency Issue

The spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced that Secretary Lloyd Austin was transported to a hospital in Washington, D.C. today, Sunday, for treatment of "symptoms indicating an emergency bladder issue." Major General Pat Ryder, the department's spokesperson, stated in a written statement that Austin is performing his duties while hospitalized. Austin faced criticism last month for not disclosing to U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, his cancer diagnosis and subsequent hospitalization. He apologized for this in a televised press conference. He is scheduled to provide a statement to Congress on February 29 regarding his health status. Austin had previously been admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland for prostate cancer treatment. He returned to the hospital on January 1 due to complications that included a urinary tract infection.