The Obama cabinet member involved in two car accidents over the weekend in Los Angeles will be taking a medical leave to undergo tests and evaluations. Click below to read the rest of the story.
“I notified President Obama this evening that effective immediately I am taking a medical leave of absence so that I can focus all of my attention on resolving the health issues that arose over the weekend,” Commerce Secretary John Bryson said in a statement. “During the period of my illness, I will not perform the functions and duties of my office.”
After Bryson was already cited for felony hit-and-run in one of the crashes, a spokeswoman from the Commerce Department said he had suffered a seizure.
Spokeswoman Jennifer Friedman confirmed that Bryson was involved, but pointed to medical reasons for the incident.
“He suffered a seizure,” she said. “He was taken to the hospital for examination and remained overnight for observation. He was released and has returned to Washington. The investigation is ongoing.”
A Commerce official later said that Bryson, who has “limited recall of the events,” has not had a seizure before.
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, asked Monday afternoon about the accidents, said “we’re obviously concerned about the incident,” and said Bryson’s “health-related” issues “played a role.”
After Bryson announced his leave, Carney said the President’s thoughts are with him and his family.
“Secretary Bryson assured the White House that the Commerce Department staff will not miss a beat in their work helping America’s businesses compete,” Carney added.
