In the call, the unidentified man asks the ambulance crew not to use their lights or sirens and to arrive with “discretion”
Lloyd Austin’s emergency call to hospital on New Year’s Day has been released.
It is recalled that Austin’s case has sparked political tension and investigations, as the US Secretary of Defense had not informed the White House of his absence for health reasons.
Austin had undergone surgery for prostate cancer, after which there were complications, so he had to be readmitted to the hospital.
The White House had not been notified of the minister’s absence from his duties.
In the call, an unidentified man asks the ambulance crew not to use their lights or sirens and to try to have a “discreet presence”.
Austin was discharged after two weeks in the hospital.
The 70-year-old was admitted to intensive care on January 1 due to complications from “minimally invasive” prostate surgery in December.
The Secretary of Defense is directly below the president in the US military hierarchy.
The four-minute call, released by officials in Virginia on Tuesday, recorded the call to transport Austin to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland.
“Can the ambulance not show up with lights and sirens? We’re trying to be a little discreet,” said the caller, whose name was not recorded.
Senior Army officials and the White House did not learn that Austin was seriously ill until three days after he was readmitted.
This secrecy has raised security and transparency concerns, and three inquiries have since been launched into the handling of his health crisis. The Pentagon later revealed that Austin had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Austin will work remotely from home as he recovers, Pentagon officials say.
Source :Skai
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