U.S. Sec. of Defense Lloyd Austin was transported to the hospital Sunday afternoon for a bladder issue, according to a statement from a Pentagon spokesperson.
For now, Austin will continue to carry out the duties of his office, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said, but Deputy Sec. of Defense Kathleen Hicks is prepared to assume his duties if needed.
Austin’s security detail took him to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he retains the « unclassified and classified communications systems necessary to perform his duties, » Ryder said.
The White House and Congress have been notified of his condition, along with Hicks and Gen. Charles Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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