Chuck Schumer hospitalized for dehydration as record heatwave grips Washington

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was briefly hospitalized Wednesday morning after experiencing lightheadedness during an intense heatwave sweeping across Washington, D.C.

According to a statement from his office, Schumer felt unwell while at the Senate gym and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

“Leader Schumer was at the Senate gym this morning and got lightheaded,” his office told Fox News. “Out of an abundance of caution, he went to the hospital to be treated for dehydration and is now back at work in the Capitol.”

The incident occurred as the U.S. capital experienced dangerously high temperatures, with heat indexes climbing above 105°F. The Washington D.C. Homeland Security & Emergency Management Agency issued an Extreme Heat Alert warning residents to stay indoors, remain hydrated, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Schumer, 73, was evaluated, treated, and released in time to resume his duties on Capitol Hill by lunchtime. He used the opportunity to remind the public to take heat warnings seriously. “Drink some water and stay out of the heat,” he said, according to his office.

This comes as nearly 150 million Americans across the East Coast and Midwest remain under heat advisories. The National Weather Service continues to issue alerts as the record-breaking heatwave is expected to last through Friday.

Health officials urge the public to monitor for signs of heat exhaustion, especially among the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.