The audio of a 911 call made by a member of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s team on New Year’s Day, requesting an ambulance for Austin to be transferred to the hospital, has been released.
Austin’s hospitalization was initially kept secret, raising concerns about the lack of prompt notification to top officials, including President Joe Biden.
The call revealed the request for discretion in the ambulance transfer, and details about Austin’s condition were provided to the dispatcher.
Bombshell 911 Call Reveals Lloyd Austin Aide Told EMS Not To Use Lights Or Sirens pic.twitter.com/hmpVh4eB5o
— AnalyzingAmerica (@AnalyzAmerica) January 18, 2024
“Can the ambulance not show up with lights and sirens?” the aide asked. “We’re trying to remain a little subtle.”
Austin was released from the hospital and is said to be working from there, but the decision to keep his hospitalization secret has sparked investigations and criticism.
“I think it’s important for people to remember that the Cabinet officials don’t have to sit and talk every single day to make every decision,” National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said. “A lot of the work that gets done in national security is done at the staff level.”
Despite the lapse in judgment, Biden expressed confidence in Austin, who apologized for the lack of transparency.
Investigations have been initiated by the department’s inspector general, Austin’s office, the White House, and the House Armed Services Committee.
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