Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will be unable to attend Tuesday’s memorial services for the five officers slain last week in Dallas.
Abbott, a Republican, will also be unable to welcome and meet with President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, who will be at the memorial. Former President George W. Bush and other state and national figures are expected to attend.
Abbott remains in the hospital with a minor infection stemming from second- and third-degree burns he sustained while vacationing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, last week. He was scalded with hot water on both of his legs, below his knees and on his feet.
In addition to the minor infection, Abbott was admitted to the hospital overnight Monday to undergo skin grafts on both of his feet Tuesday, his office said.
After the procedure at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Abbott is expected to be discharged and will return to Austin. The procedure requires local anesthesia.
Abbott was returning from the hospital when the Dallas shooting happened.
“The governor’s first words were, ‘I’ve got to come back,’ ” Abbott spokesman Matt Hirsch said.
Abbott was in Texas Friday and at a news conference with Mayor Mike Rawlings. He also gave several television interviews.
Though Abbott is paralyzed from the waist down from an accident decades ago, aides say he can still feel pain in his legs and was in significant pain throughout his appearances Friday.
It is still unclear if Abbott will attend next week’s Republican National Convention in Cleveland as planned. Abbott has endorsed Donald Trump.
