Senator Chris Murphy in Hospital After Stroke at Son's Hockey Game
The Connecticut Democrat was treated at a local facility before moving to Johns Hopkins, where officials say he is alert and responding to care.
By Salma Farouk ·
Hartford, Conn. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy was hospitalized on Saturday after doctors determined he had suffered a stroke. Murphy began experiencing numbness in his arm while attending his son's hockey game. His chief of staff confirmed the diagnosis in a statement released on Saturday.
Murphy was initially taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Medical staff assessed his condition and identified the stroke. He was then transferred to Johns Hopkins for further monitoring. The statement noted that he is responding well to treatment.
“The doctors are encouraged by his progress, he is awake and alert, and we are optimistic he will make a full recovery,” the statement said. Murphy has served in the U.S. Senate since 2013.
Several Connecticut officials released statements following the news. Gov. Ned Lamont said he was with Murphy two days prior, encouraging residents to vote. Lamont described Murphy as a strong advocate for democracy and stated that he expects the senator to walk across the state again soon. Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz added that she was with Murphy on Friday evening when he was urging voters to participate in the upcoming election.
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff expressed relief that Murphy is alert. They called him a defender of democracy and said they look forward to welcoming him back. Sen. Ryan Fazio said he is keeping Murphy and his family in his prayers during this challenging moment.
Roberto Alves, chairman of the Connecticut Democratic Party, said the news was surprising but that the party is relieved Murphy is doing well. Alves described Murphy as a workhorse who campaigns tirelessly. Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said the community is standing with Murphy and his family. He called Murphy an unwavering champion for working-class residents and families.
The statement described the situation as a developing story. Murphy remains under care at Johns Hopkins while officials wait for further updates on his recovery.
