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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Rep. Dan Johnson, R-Logan, appears to be recovering well as he rejoined his colleagues in the House chamber Wednesday by "dabbing" in front of the Speaker's dais while wearing a hoodie that read, "I Am Kenough" — an apparent reference to the 2023 film "Barbie."
Johnson was transported to a hospital via ambulance on Monday following a medical emergency suffered on the House floor.
The Utah House Majority caucus posted a photo of Johnson Wednesday, saying "Rep. Dan Johnson makes us better people and public servants. Welcome back, friend."
Hoodie actually appears to have said "I am Kenough." (My bad. I still haven't seen Barbie 😬.) I'm told lawmakers could be compiling barbie-themed footage for an end-of-session comedy reel. https://t.co/tGR6sKfa14
— Brigham Tomco (@BrighamTomco) February 28, 2024
Johnson was seated at his desk shortly after lawmakers convened for an afternoon session at 2 p.m. Monday when the incident occurred. Another lawmaker called out for Rep. Raymond Ward, R-Bountiful, a physician, who rushed to Johnson's aid and wheeled his chair into the House lounge behind the speaker's dais and out of public view.
Firefighters brought an oxygen tank and other medical supplies through the rotunda and into the House offices. Johnson was transported via an ambulance, which left the west Capitol steps without its siren on, according to troopers.
Ward later told KSL that Johnson was unable to see or speak for a couple of minutes but appeared to be OK by the time the ambulance arrived on scene.
"This afternoon, Rep. Dan Johnson experienced a medical episode and is now receiving treatment," a House spokeswoman told KSL.com. "We appreciate the swift response by Utah Highway Patrol and emergency responders. Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with Rep. Johnson."
Monday's incident was the second recent medical issue suffered by Johnson, who announced he would not seek reelection later this year.
Johnson reportedly suffered a medical emergency in the lobby of a radio station in Logan in January before a scheduled interview, according to Cache Valley Daily. He was taken via ambulance to a local hospital, and was conscious and in stable condition later that evening.
The incident disrupted activity on the floor for about 25 minutes as representatives quickly adopted a motion to halt the proceedings while Johnson was treated. The House adopted a "motion to saunter," an unofficial break from time on the House floor. Such motions are generally used in one chamber to allow the other to catch up with the number of bills on the voting board.
Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche, Brigham Tomco
