Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has collapsed while delivering the annual State of the State Address in the House Chambers. The cause was not immediately known but the governor is now conscious and is said to be OK.
The incident happened at about 7:45 p.m. on Monday as the governor, who is turning 70 later this week, delivered his annual address. His speech became slurred and he collapsed moments later, after which staffers and medics rushed to his side.
It was not immediately known what caused the medical episode and the legislature abruptly adjourned when Dayton collapsed. Minutes later, the governor was seen standing and smiling before being escorted out of the House Chambers.
Dayton was later taken to his residence and the governor intends to return to work on Tuesday. “I’m with my dad now and he’s doing great. Thank you all for your kind well-wishes and words of concern,” the governor’s son, Eric Dayton, wrote on his Twitter account.
Fellow politicians wished the governor well after the health scare, which was seen on live television. “The governor is in our thoughts and prayers and I hope for a quick recovery. He is up and about in the back room and I’m sure he’ll be fine,” House Speaker Kurt Daudt told reporters.
Dayton suffered a similar episode before. On January 31, 2016, the governor fainted and collapsed while speaking at a fundraiser in Woodbury. He was rushed to an area hospital for testing and was released the next day, having been treated for dehydration.
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