Andrew Gillum, the former mayor of Tallahassee and the Democratic candidate for Governor of Florida in 2018 was listed in a police report detailing an alleged overdose incident inside a Miami Beach hotel room.
According to a Politico report, the Miami Beach Police Department responded to an emergency call from a hotel room early Friday morning and provided treatment to Travis Dyson, who later was hospitalized. Officers at the scene recovered several clear plastic bags of what appeared to be crystal meth.
Aldo Mejias, who rented the room, told police that when he entered the room he discovered Gillum vomiting in the bathroom and Dyson having trouble breathing. Dyson started vomiting on a bed, which prompted Mejias to call the police. Gillum, who did not speak to police, said in a statement that he was vomiting in the room after having too much to drink at a wedding.
“I was in Miami last night for a wedding celebration when first responders were called to assist one of my friends,” Gillum said. “While I had too much to drink, I want to be clear that I have never used methamphetamines. I apologize to the people of Florida for the distraction this has caused our movement.
“I’m thankful to the incredible Miami Beach EMS team for their efforts,” Gillum said. “I will spend the next few weeks with my family and appreciate privacy during this time.”
Gillum made national headlines when he scored an upset victory in the 2018 Democratic primary for governor only to narrowly lose to Republican Ron DeSantis in the general election. A super PAC helped Gillum in the election and now is helping other black candidates in 2020. Since losing, Gillum has made several appearances on CNN as an political analyst. He also started a campaign to sign up votes for the 2020 presidential election.
Rescue crews took Dyson to a local hospital. He is conscious and in stable condition, according to the police report.