John Fetterman was seen driving at a “high rate of speed” on Sunday morning just before he rear-ended another car on Interstate 70 in Maryland, according to a state police report. The police report said Fetterman was at fault in the crash.
Both cars were towed and Fetterman, his wife, Gisele, and the motorist he hit were all taken to the hospital for minor injuries, police said. Fetterman’s office earlier this week acknowledged the accident, saying he was treated for a bruised shoulder and discharged within hours.
Bio Data | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | John Karl Fetterman |
Date of Birth | August 15, 1969 |
Political Party | Democratic Party |
Position | U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania |
Spouse | Gisele Barreto Fetterman |
Previous Role | Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania |
Education | Harvard Kennedy School (MPA), Albright College (BA) |
Notable Event | Suffered a stroke in May 2022 during Senate campaign |
Reference | USA TODAY |
Earlier this year, the Democratic senator pleaded guilty in Pennsylvania to a citation for exceeding the speed limit by 34 mph (54 kph), according to court records. Sunday’s crash, just before 8 a.m., happened after another motorist saw Fetterman pass her traveling “at a high rate of speed, well over the posted speed limit,” the police report said. The speed limit on I-70 is 70 mph (113 kph).
Moments later, Fetterman rear-ended the other vehicle, driven by a 62-year-old woman, the report said. Fetterman was not tested for alcohol or substance use, and the report does not say he was distracted.
No Citations Issued, Investigation Ongoing
The crash occurred under conditions that did not prompt immediate citations or arrests. The ongoing investigation is set to determine if further legal action will be taken. This incident is particularly notable as it coincides with a previous speeding violation by Fetterman earlier in the year, raising concerns about his driving habits.
Impact on Fetterman’s Personal and Professional Life
Fetterman returned to his home in Braddock, Pennsylvania, where he posted a video with Gisele acknowledging the accident, thanking well-wishers, and saying that it wasn’t how they had wanted to spend their 16th wedding anniversary. Fetterman, 54, suffered a stroke in May 2022 as he was campaigning for his Senate seat. As a result, he still has some trouble speaking fluidly and quickly processing spoken conversation, and he often uses devices in congressional hearings and routine conversations to transcribe spoken words in real time.
Public Reaction and Official Statements
A spokesperson for the senator said in a statement to USA TODAY that the Fettermans were taken to the hospital out of an abundance of caution and John was treated for a bruised shoulder. The office did not disclose Gisele’s injuries. The couple were discharged Sunday afternoon and are doing well, according to the spokesperson.
Fetterman posted a video to his X, formerly Twitter, account Monday showing that he and his wife were at their home in Braddock, Pennsylvania. This gesture aimed to reassure the public and his supporters about their well-being following the accident.
Previous Traffic Violations and Public Concerns
This recent incident follows Fetterman’s guilty plea earlier this year for speeding. The pattern of high-speed driving has raised concerns among the public and political commentators about his driving habits and their potential risks. The fact that no citations were given and that an investigation is ongoing leaves open questions about the final legal and public outcomes of this event.
Health and Political Implications
Given Fetterman’s recent health challenges, including his stroke in May 2022, the accident brings additional scrutiny to his physical well-being and his capacity to fulfill his demanding role as a U.S. Senator. His transparency in communicating about the accident and his health status is likely to be critical in maintaining public trust and support.
Fetterman’s Continued Commitment to Service
Despite these setbacks, Fetterman has remained committed to his role, addressing issues important to his constituents and participating actively in Senate duties. His handling of the accident and its aftermath will be closely watched as a measure of his resilience and ability to navigate personal and professional challenges.
Lessons and Reflections
The Fetterman car accident highlights the broader issues of road safety, responsible driving, and the impacts of public figures’ actions on their personal and professional lives. It serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic laws and the potential consequences of failing to do so, even for those in high-profile positions.
List of Political Career of John Fetterman
John Karl Fetterman is an American politician serving as the junior United States Senator from Pennsylvania since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the Mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, from 2006 to 2019 and as the 34th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2023. Although he has since renounced the label, Fetterman formerly called himself a progressive.
He advocates for healthcare as a right, criminal justice reform, abolishing capital punishment, raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, and legalizing cannabis.
Early Life and Education
Fetterman studied finance at Albright College and earned an MBA from the University of Connecticut before beginning a professional career in the insurance industry. He went on to join AmeriCorps and earned a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University. Fetterman’s service with AmeriCorps led him to Braddock, where he moved in 2004 and was elected mayor the following year.
Mayor of Braddock (2006-2019)
As mayor, Fetterman dedicated himself to revitalizing the former steel town, focusing on arts and youth programs. During his tenure, he emphasized fighting poverty and creating new jobs through innovative urban development projects. His work in Braddock garnered national attention and earned him a reputation as an unconventional and committed city leader.
Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania (2019-2023)
In 2018, Fetterman ran for the position of Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. He defeated several candidates, including incumbent Mike Stack, in the Democratic primary and won the election alongside incumbent Governor Tom Wolf. As Lieutenant Governor, Fetterman strongly advocated for the statewide legalization of cannabis and vehemently opposed President Donald Trump’s false claims of election fraud in Pennsylvania.
U.S. Senate Campaign 2016
Fetterman ran for the U.S. Senate in 2016, finishing third in the Democratic primary. Despite the loss, he used the opportunity to expand his political reach and further promote his political views.
U.S. Senate Campaign 2022
In 2021, Fetterman announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania in 2022. He won the Democratic nomination and defeated Republican candidate Mehmet Oz in the general election with 51% of the vote. He was sworn into the Senate on January 3, 2023, and resigned as Lieutenant Governor on the same day.
Political Positions and Initiatives
Healthcare as a Right
Fetterman is a passionate advocate for healthcare as a fundamental human right. He supports a universal healthcare system that provides medical care to all citizens regardless of their income.
Criminal Justice Reform
Another key issue for Fetterman is the reform of the criminal justice system. He advocates for comprehensive changes to eliminate injustices and create a fairer system. This includes the abolition of the death penalty, which he considers inhumane and ineffective.
Raising the Minimum Wage
Fetterman supports raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour. He argues that a fair minimum wage is necessary to reduce economic inequality and improve the standard of living for millions of workers.
Legalization of Cannabis
During his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, Fetterman actively campaigned for the legalization of cannabis. He believes that legalization would bring economic benefits and alleviate the burden on the criminal justice system.
An Unconventional Politician
Fetterman is known for his unconventional style and progressive politics. With his imposing stature and distinctive tattoos, he stands out from most politicians. His direct and honest approach has earned him both admirers and critics.
Future Political Plans
As a U.S. Senator, Fetterman plans to continue his efforts to promote social justice and economic opportunity. His past achievements and dedication suggest that he will continue to play a significant role in American politics.