Update: After a terrifying moment during a live stream, Dr. Ron Paul shared with his followers on Twitter that he was doing fine, and recovering with a photo of him giving the 'thumbs up.' His son, Sen. Rand Paul, thanked his father's supporters and friends for their prayers.
Thank God, Dad is doing well. Thank you for all your prayers today. https://t.co/xNXUa6Pnq4
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) September 25, 2020
Original Story: Dr. Ron Paul, an accomplished physician, former member of Congress from the state of Texas, and former presidential candidate appeared to suffer a major medical emergency during a live stream interview on Friday morning.
Paul, 85, is considered a pioneer of the modern Libertarian movement and is regarded as a hero for many lawmakers and supporters as a staunch advocate for freedom. He ran for president in 1988, 2008, and 2012.
During the Friday edition of his live show, the "Ron Paul Liberty Report," the former congressman appeared to lose focus before his mouth suddenly drooped to the side and his speech trailed off into muttering.
The interview on the topic of federal COVID-19 stimulus money ended quickly, but concern from those watching evolved into widespread alarm as the video went viral on social media.
Heidi & I are lifting up in prayer @RonPaul and @RandPaul and their family. For many decades, he has been an extraordinary warrior for Liberty.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 25, 2020
May God’s healing hand be upon Dr. Paul, and may God’s Peace and Grace be upon the entire family. https://t.co/vifNtjTsJv
Prayers going out for @RonPaul , @DrRandPaul and their entire family.
— Burgess Owens (@BurgessOwens) September 25, 2020
Paul became an icon for many Libertarians and Libertarian-leaning conservatives for speaking out against the PATRIOT Act in 2001, a measure with nearly unanimous GOP support, over concern about privacy violations. Paul earned the nickname "Dr. No" while in Congress, given to him because he would "never vote for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution."
Prayers up for Dr. Ron Paul, @RandPaul, and the whole family. Godspeed.
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) September 25, 2020
Thoughts and prayers today with the greatest champion of Liberty in a generation, @RonPaul, and his family.
— Eric Brakey (@SenatorBrakey) September 25, 2020
Dr. Paul is the father of Dr. Rand Paul, who serves as the junior senator from Kentucky and is also hailed as a defender of freedom and strict constitutionalist.
Fox News reported later that Dr. Paul was transported to a hospital and was being treated as a "precautionary" measure, and host Harris Faulkner reported that he was "lucid and optimistic," but no other details were made available at that time.
?? Prayers for Dr. @RonPaul
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) September 25, 2020
Prayers for @RonPaul andthe whole family. Ron is a patriot and a great American who has brought healing to so many Americans in his career as a doctor.
— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) September 25, 2020
Prayers for @RonPaul. May God watch over him and his family.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) September 25, 2020
My prayers go to Ron Paul and his family. The man is such a hero of mine, I hope he's okay. https://t.co/VGo3L4WGxe
— Ryan James Girdusky (@RyanGirdusky) September 25, 2020
Prayers out to Ron Paul and his family. Please don’t share the video.
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) September 25, 2020
Nobody deserves something like that spreading all over the internet. Let’s hope everything is okay.
Please keep @RonPaul and his family in your thoughts right now as they face the unknown. https://t.co/tHC5CH27cW
— Jo Jorgensen (@Jorgensen4POTUS) September 25, 2020