A scary scene was captured on camera Wednesday when Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, 77, suddenly collapsed on the state’s Senate floor.
Hosemann was presiding over a legislative session when he appeared to lose consciousness and fell forward into his microphone, podium, and eventually the floor.
A livestream of the session captured lawmakers’ gasps and some rushing to assist Hosemann. A recess was immediately called.
A woman can be heard calling out, “Oh my God, Delbert, Delbert.” Later, multiple lawmakers can be heard yelling for a nurse.
He was treated in the Capitol by medical staff and was “sitting upright shortly after he fell,” reported Mississippi Today, which added he later walked out of the Capitol on his own and got into a private vehicle.
The Republican’s office did not say what caused the fall, but said he was “doing well” and was in “good spirits” by the afternoon.
“He appreciates all of the medical staff and is eager to return to work,” his office said.
Hosemann is considered a “likely candidate” to run for governor in 2027 as Gov. Tate Reeves will be termed out, reported the Mississippi Free Press.
A biography page for the official says he has been married for 54 years, adding that he has three children and nine grandchildren. He is a hunter and was at one point a prolific runner, having competed in both the New York and Boston marathons.
Reeves issued a statement offering his support and prayers to his No. 2. Others in Mississippi did the same, including the state Senator Josh Harkins, who was described as one of his top lieutenants.
“I appreciate all of the calls and text messages concerning Lt. Governor Hosemann,” he posted. “As he walked out of the Capitol a little while ago, he looked at us and said, ‘Hey, that last bill was awful!’ He is doing well, and if I know him he will be trying to come back to the Capitol today.”
