Florida congressman rushed to hospital after cardiac episode

Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., was rushed to the hospital Wednesday night after suffering a cardiac episode in the House GOP cloakroom.

Security officials locked the doors to the cloakroom, located just off the House floor, as Rutherford was treated by EMTs and medics from the congressional Office of the Attending Physician.

Rutherford was eventually wheeled out of the Capitol on a stretcher.

Late Wednesday, Rutherford's chief of staff released a statement saying the congressman was "conscious, alert, and in good spirits."

Kelly Simpson added that Rutherford had not suffered a heart attack, but was still being evaulated by doctors. Simpson said further updates on Rutherford's condition "will be provided once doctors have finished their evaluation."

Rutherford, 64, was sworn in last week after being elected to represent Florida's 4th congressional district. The district encompasses most of Jacksonville and some of its suburbs.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rutherford worked in law enforcement for 41 years and served as Jacksonville's sheriff, winning three elections for that post.

Fox News' Chad Pergram and the Associated Press contributed to this report.