The White House isn’t saying whether Commerce Secretary John Bryson is fit to continue serving after Bryson was cited for a felony hit-and-run Saturday.
The Commerce Department said Monday that Bryson was having a seizure when his Lexus collided with another car in the Los Angeles area. He drove away from the scene and minutes later hit another car, police said. Authorities found Bryson unconscious at the wheel of vehicle after the crashes. He spent Saturday night in the hospital and has since returned to D.C.
The White House learned of the incidents on Sunday night but Obama wasn’t notified until Monday morning, according to White House press secretary Jay Carney. Preliminary reports show no alcohol or drugs were involved in the crashes.
Bryson “has been an effective commerce secretary since he was confirmed,” Carney said Tuesday. He wouldn’t say whether the White House considered Bryson fit to continueas commerce secretary or whether Bryson’s health was vetted prior to his appointment.
Obama’s chief of staff, Jack Lew, spoke to Bryson over the phone on Monday, Carney said. Obama has not spoken to Bryson, he added.
The president is “concerned about the secretary’s health,” Carney said.
