Harry Reid Hit With Exercise Band, Suffers Broken Facial Bones
Harry Reid was sent to the hospital Thursday night after an exercise resistance band broke, hitting him in the head and breaking “a number of ribs and bones in his face.” Doctors say the Senate Democrat from Nevada will make a full recovery, just in time for the incoming Republican majority. He will be the Senate minority leader when Congress reconvenes.
According to the Washington Post, Senator Reid had to spend the night in the hospital as a precautionary measure, but afterwards he was quick to assure his friends and constituents that he was in good condition.
White House spokesman Ed Schultz said that President Obama called Reid “to wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
Other senators, including Republican Jeff Flake, also expressed their concern and goodwill.
Now there’s a man serious about new year’s resolutions! Get well soon, @SenatorReid. See you back in DC.
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) January 2, 2015
Reid’s spokeswoman Kristen Orthman assured everyone that the senator was “ready to get back to work.”
Reid’s deputy of communications followed up with an email statement to the press.
“He spent the day with his wife, Landra, talking to fellow senators, friends and staff and preparing for the Senate’s return. He sends his thanks to all those who sent warm wishes and is ready to get back to work.”
The 75-year-old grandfather is a hardened exercise enthusiast, according to the Los Angeles Times. An aide reports that Harry Reid was working out on a machine in his home in Henderson when a resistance band broke and hit him. The freak accident led to a nasty fall. Luckily for Reid, he has a constant security detail, which rushed him to the hospital. The Senator’s office did not provide further details.
Senator Reid says he will be there when Congress reconvenes on Tuesday and he hands over majority leadership to Mitch McConnell and the Republican party.
Harry Reid suffered another rib injury in 2012. CNN reports that the senator’s motorcade was involved in a multi-car pile-up, leaving Reid with hip and rib contusions.
Then again in 2011, Senator Reid fell while running in Washington D.C. causing a nasty looking eye bruise, which hit major news outlets across America. He also experienced a mini-stroke decades ago.
The Senator from Nevada might be a bit accident prone, but he’s also proven to be tough, continuing with his work shortly after each hospitalization.
Harry Reid has served in the U.S. Senate since 1987 and intends to run for reelection in 2016.
[Image Credit: Center for American Progress/Flickr]
