Story highlights
NEW: President Barack Obama called the injured incoming Senate minority leader
Sen. Harry Reid broke facial bones and ribs in an exercising accident Thursday
He's expected back in Washington this weekend is expected to fully recover
Sen. Harry Reid, 75, is recovering at home after he broke “a number of ribs and bones in his face” when he was exercising, his office said Friday in a statement.
The Nevada Democrat was using a piece of equipment to exercise on Thursday when it broke, causing him to fall.
His doctors expect a full recovery, and he’s set to return to Washington over the weekend before the Senate reconvenes next week.
According to the statement, the Senate Democratic Leader was treated and admitted overnight as a precaution at University Medical Center in Las Vegas after first being transported to St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson by his security detail.
President Barack Obama called Reid on Friday, White House spokesman Eric Schultz told reporters, “to wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
Reid’s office later announced Friday that Reid had been discharged from the hospital.
“He spent the day with his wife, Landra, talking to fellow senators, friends and staff and preparing for the Senate’s return,” Reid’s Deputy Communications Director said in an emailed statement Friday. “He sends his thanks to all those who sent warm wishes and is ready to get back to work.”
RELATED: Harry Reid Fast Facts
Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, was quick to make a joke and wish his colleague well.
It’s not the first time Reid has hurt his ribs in recent years. In October 2012, his motorcade was involved in a multi-car accident in Nevada that left him with rib and hip contusions. He went to the hospital but was released shortly afterward.
In 2011, Reid also suffered minor injuries after slipping and falling in the rain while running outside in Washington, resulting in a dislocated shoulder and a bruise around his left eye.
Reid will become the Senate Minority Leader when Congress reconvenes.
