Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was severely burned in an accident – so badly, in fact, family members and political spokespeople say, he may have to stay home from the Republican National Convention set for July 18.
Spokesman Matt Hirsch said Abbott was with his family in Wyoming last week and was scalded by hot water. Doctors rated his injuries as “extensive second- and third-degree burns,” Fox News reported.
He was treated and released at St. John’s Medical Center on Thursday, just as news of the Dallas shooting of police broke. And his reaction?
“His first words to us,” said Hirsch, “were, ‘I’ve got to come back.'”
Abbott then held a press conference on Friday, but nobody except his closest family members and advisers knew about his burns. His wounds were wrapped in gauze, but covered by clothing.
Hirsch said surgery may be required, and that Abbott has to have legs wrapped and re-wrapped daily.
Abbott’s injuries weren’t reported to the media until late Sunday.
“For him, it was important not to distract from what was happening in Dallas,” Hirsch said, Fox News reported.
Abbott’s chairman of the Texas delegation to the Republican convention, but may have to cancel his attendance. Hirsch said the question of Abbott’s presence at the convention is now being decided on a “day to day” basis.
