South Carolina congressman collapses at Ukraine event

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) collapsed Tuesday night while attending Ukraine’s Independence Day celebration in Washington D.C. .

Wilson appeared responsive as he received medical treatment. Other attendees at the event said Wilson appeared to receive CPR after he fell.

Wilson is being evaluated at a local hospital in D.C. after taking ill, his staff posted on the congressman’s social media account, X.

South Carolina’s Attorney General Alan Wilson (R) said in a statement to Nexstar affiliate WSPA that the congressman “experienced stroke-like symptoms” but was in stable condition.

“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,” Wilson said in the statement. “I was able to speak with him moments ago and I am incredibly thankful that he is stable and being monitored by medical professionals.”

Ukraine’s ambassador to Washington, Oksana Markarova called it “nothing short of a miracle” that Wilson was treated on the spot. 

“It reminds me that we all have to learn how to do CPR, we in Ukraine, now, unfortunately know it because we have to do it on a daily basis, unfortunately, but even in other countries we have to be more resilient,” she said after the congressman was transported to the hospital from the event. 

“We’ll keep praying that our friend will be fine and wish speedy recovery to our friend,” she added. 

—Updated at 9:39 p.m.