Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, was hospitalized Tuesday following an allergic reaction-just one day after she toured a high-security biological research facility at Fort Detrick, Maryland, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Senator Rand Paul. While officials stress there is no known link between the lab visit and her condition, the timing has raised questions as Fort Detrick remains under heightened scrutiny following recent safety concerns.
"Secretary Noem had an allergic reaction today. She was transported to the hospital out of an abundance of caution. She is alert and recovering," DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
The visit was publicized Monday in a social media post by Kennedy Jr., who shared a photograph of the trio at Fort Detrick. "With Secretary Noem and Senator Rand Paul inspecting the biological hazard labs at Fort Detrick," he wrote. Fort Detrick hosts some of the nation's most sensitive biodefense operations, including the Integrated Research Facility and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases.
The Integrated Research Facility studies high-consequence infectious diseases such as Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 and is part of ongoing national efforts to prevent biological weapons attacks and mitigate major public health threats. Kennedy's department previously ordered a safety stand-down at the lab in April following an internal incident involving contract staff.
According to an unnamed HHS official cited by Fox News, the shutdown followed a personal dispute between two lab workers-described as a "lover's spat"-that allegedly led to deliberate sabotage involving compromised protective gear. Kennedy told a Senate committee in May that the FBI is investigating the event as a potentially "deliberate criminal act."
Noem's condition following Tuesday's hospitalization remains undisclosed, and she has not commented publicly. There is currently no indication her allergic reaction was connected to the lab tour. However, the visit has drawn attention as Fort Detrick continues to face scrutiny from both lawmakers and federal investigators.
Democrats in Congress recently demanded answers from Kennedy's office on when the research pause will end, stressing the importance of safety standards at facilities studying "some of the most dangerous pathogens and viruses."
Meanwhile, conservative allies rallied behind Noem. Trump supporter Bruce Levell posted on X, "My heart is with her during this challenging time, but I know her strength and determination will shine through." Charlie Kirk added: "Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has been rushed to the hospital in Washington D.C. Pray for Kristi."
The NIH previously described the Fort Detrick shutdown as a necessary measure to address safety culture concerns. A spokesperson told WIRED the decision followed the "identification and documentation of personnel issues involving contract staff."
