Rep. Carolyn Maloney Nearly Faints At Manhattan Vigil

MANHATTAN, NY — Longtime New York City Congressmember Carolyn Maloney was taken to a hospital after appearing to faint during a Monday morning vigil in Chinatown, a spokesperson for the lawmaker confirmed.

Maloney spoke at a vigil for four homeless men killed during a series of weekend attacks in Chinatown and then sat on a bench after the event wrapped up. The lawmaker sat with here eyes closed until being offer a wheelchair by paramedics. Maloney declined the chair, but walked away with the medics and was later taken to an area hospital.

A spokesperson for Maloney told Patch that Maloney is "feeling better and in good spirits."

Maloney released a statement Monday evening revealing that the lawmaker is recovering from a bout with bronchitis.

"Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and concern and to the great staff, nurses, and doctors at New-York Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital," Maloney said in the statement.

“This morning, I began to feel faint at a public event, and out of an abundance of caution, sought medical attention. I am recovering from bronchitis, and probably should have stayed home. After some rest and chicken soup, I am looking forward to getting back to work for the people of New York.”

The vigil began around 10 a.m. and lasted about 40 minutes, which means Maloney was likely taken to the hospital at about 11 a.m.

Staffers told the Daily News that the legislator felt pain and was unable to see after speaking at the Chinatown vigil.

A press conference on new proposed helicopter safety legislation, which Maloney was scheduled to co-host, was canceled because of "unforseen [sic] events," according to the Brooklyn Heights Association.

Maloney's district runs along the east side of Manhattan, the west waterfront of Queens and parts of north Brooklyn. She was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1993 after serving on the New York City Council.

Patch reporter Sydney Pereira contributed to this report.