Texas Gov Greg Abbott burns lead to surgery, will miss police officer memorial, RNC
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday for serious burns sustained late last week while in Wyoming. Abbot has been battling infections and now will miss the memorial service for five fallen Dallas police officers murdered by Micah Johnson.
Abbott urged Texans to come together Friday evening in the wake of Thursday’s mass shooting, refusing to be hindered by the severe burns he endured after an accident involving scalding water while on vacation with his family in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Abbott kept the details of his physical pain quiet, focusing on the deadly events in Dallas.
Greg Abbott photo/ Gage Skidmore
An examination at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio Monday found a minor infection. He is scheduled to remain at the hospital overnight and undergo skin grafts to repair damage on both feet on Tuesday.
Abbott’s staff told KVUE Monday the governor is in good spirits, adding in a statement, “He is grateful for all of the prayers and well-wishes from the public.” Many took to social media to wish him a speedy recovery, including Austin Mayor Steve Adler and the Texas Democratic Party.
“I’m away but still keeping Governor’s Mansion blue to honor Dallas Police Officers. (Blue square by Capitol)pic.twitter.com/JE0y7Bgva…” Abbott tweeted late on Monday night.
Abbott will miss the memorial honoring fallen officers in Dallas. First Lady Cecilia Abbott will attend in his place, alongside President Obama and former President George W. Bush.
An accident in 1984 left the governor paralyzed from the waist down. His office described the sensations following the accident as “shooting pains” in his legs, and told KVUE Abbott has been in and out of the hospital since Friday.
The governor spoke with President Obama on Saturday from an Austin hospital room, where he received treatment for second- and third-degree burns on his legs and feet.
Decisions regarding the governor’s schedule continue to be day-to-day. He could miss next week’s GOP convention, which some GOP leaders are actively choosing to skip.
