“During a campaign event yesterday evening, Senator Sanders experienced some chest discomfort,” Jeff Weaver, a longtime adviser to Sanders, said in a statement. “Following medical evaluation and testing he was found to have a blockage in one artery and two stents were successfully inserted. Senator Sanders is conversing and in good spirits. He will be resting up over the next few days. We are canceling his events and appearances until further notice, and we will continue to provide appropriate updates.”
Sanders, 78, is currently recovering in a Las Vegas hospital, the campaign said.
Sanders on Tuesday night visited an outdoor memorial in Las Vegas that is dedicated to victims of the city’s 2017 mass shooting. He also hosted a grassroots fundraiser at the Shiraz restaurant.
The restaurant’s owner, Raja Majid, said in a phone interview that Sanders spoke to a crowd of about 250 people. As he began taking questions from the audience, he asked a staff member, Ari Rabin-Havt, a deputy campaign manager, for a chair, an unusual request from a candidate who typically stands or paces onstage. “I’m going to sit down here,” Sanders said, according to a video posted on Periscope. “It’s been a long day here.”
It is unclear whether Sanders will be able to participate in the next debate, scheduled for Oct. 15 in Columbus, Ohio.
Not long after news of Sanders’ hospitalization emerged, several of his rivals for the Democratic nomination sent good wishes his way.
“Glad to hear my friend @BernieSanders is doing well and in good spirits — wishing him a speedy recovery,” Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey wrote on Twitter.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren began an appearance in Las Vegas on Wednesday by bringing up Sanders. “I know everyone here wishes him well, wants to see him strong and back on the trail as soon as possible,” she said. “I’ve called, I’ve texted and I’ll send your best wishes if that’s OK with everyone.”
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