Health2 min
Chris Murphy hospitalized after stroke; Connecticut senator 'awake and alert'
The 53-year-old Democrat felt numbness in his arm at his son's hockey game and is now being treated at Johns Hopkins, his office says.
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy suffered a stroke on Saturday and is being treated at Johns Hopkins, his office said. Aides say he is awake and alert, and doctors are encouraged by his progress.
According to chief of staff Allison Herwitt, Murphy first noticed numbness in his arm while watching his son's hockey game. He was taken to a local hospital, where doctors found he had had a stroke, and he was then transferred to Johns Hopkins for further monitoring. His office says he is responding well and that it is optimistic he will make a full recovery.
Why the arm numbness matters: Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body is a classic stroke warning sign. Health experts generally urge people to seek emergency care right away, since quick treatment can limit damage. Murphy's office did not release further medical details in the statement.
Murphy, 53, was elected to the House in 2006 and the Senate in 2012. He sits on the Appropriations Committee and is a prominent voice on gun policy and immigration. He is also seen as a possible contender for senior Senate leadership and is one of many Democrats mentioned as potential 2028 presidential candidates. He is not on the ballot in Tuesday's midterm elections.
The news comes after a packed few weeks. Murphy had been crisscrossing the country to back Democratic candidates, campaigning in Connecticut for Gov. Ned Lamont and in Minnesota with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, the party's Senate nominee. In early October he traveled to the Middle East, meeting leaders including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In September he finished his annual four-day, roughly 70-mile walk across Connecticut.
Support came from both sides of the aisle. Republican Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Pete Ricketts of Nebraska offered prayers. Fellow Connecticut Democrat Richard Blumenthal called Murphy a fierce fighter and said he expects to welcome him back to the Senate soon.
Source: Economic Times
