Justice Alito Treated for Dehydration After Falling Ill at Event

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Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito fell ill at an event in Philadelphia last month and was treated for dehydration before returning home to suburban Washington, the court's spokeswoman said Friday. Alito's illness did not require an overnight hospital stay, and he was back on the bench the following Monday.

Why it matters

The incident is the latest example of the justices' reticence to discuss their health, at least until the news somehow leaks. There has been speculation that the 76-year-old Alito might soon step down, which would give President Donald Trump the chance to appoint a fourth justice to the Supreme Court.

The details

Alito was an active questioner during arguments that day in an important case about mailed ballots and participated in all the court's hearings over the ensuing two weeks. Alito was driven by his security detail from Washington to what CNN said was a dinner following a Federalist Society panel that looked at his 20 years on the court. When he didn't feel well in the evening, 'he agreed with his security detail's recommendation to see a physician before the three-hour drive home' to northern Virginia, the court's spokeswoman said. He was given fluids for dehydration.

• Alito fell ill at an event in Philadelphia last month.
• Alito was back on the bench the following Monday.

What they’re saying

What’s next

While Alito has not said anything about retirement, speculation has swirled that he might soon step down, which would give President Donald Trump the chance to appoint a fourth justice to the Supreme Court.