Senate

Police body camera footage released from Fetterman car accident

Body camera footage from Sen. John Fetterman’s (D-Pa.) car accident last month has been released by the Maryland State Police.

The video, obtained by The Washington Post, shows Maryland State Police officers responding to the crash that left Fetterman’s black Chevrolet Traverse and a red Chevrolet sedan with heavy damage.

According to the video, police officers recognized Fetterman. The senator did not announce his identity as he and his wife, Gisele, gathered with the other driver on the side of the highway.

One officer said he thought he recognized Fetterman as “that real big, tall guy” and the “senator of Pennsylvania.” The Post noted that Fetterman politely answered questions from police.

That same officer later said in the footage that Fetterman “was flying, and she wanted to merge, and he just smashed her.”

After the June 9 crash in Maryland, it was revealed that Fetterman was traveling at a “high rate of speed, well over the posted speed limit.”

The police report, obtained by The Hill, listed Fetterman as “at fault” for the incident. The senator, his wife and the other driver were all treated for injuries after the crash.

According to the video obtained by the Post, a first responder recognized Fetterman as he approached the scene.

“As soon as I walked up, I saw him in the shorts and the sweatshirt, and [I said], ‘Good morning, senator,” he said. “In 20 years of doing this, I’ve never, never had a politician.”

Fetterman was treated for a bruised shoulder, and his wife was transported to the hospital. They were evaluated at a local hospital after the crash; a spokesperson said they were “doing well” shortly after it.

The senator, who previously was the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, used to have a driver in that role but now drives himself most of the time. He often makes the drive from Washington, D.C., to Braddock, Pa., himself, the Post reported.