Man Shot By Cheney Defends VP
Feb. 17, 2006 — -- The Texas lawyer shot by Dick Cheney during a quail hunt last weekend defended the vice president, saying that the shooting was just an accident. Doctors expect him to be discharged from the hospital later today.
"We all assume certain risks in what we do, in what activities we pursue," Whittington told reporters during a brief news conference today.
"Accidents do and will happen, and that's what happened. My family and I are deeply sorry for what Vice President Cheney and his family had to go through this week. We hope that he will continue to come to Texas to enjoy the relaxation he deserves."
Looking remarkably well and dressed in a suit and tie, Whittington gave his statement as he prepared for his release from a hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dr. David Blanchard, the hospital's chief of emergency care, said Whittington would go home today because of "his excellent health," but added that he was still "not 100 percent" and was a "lucky person" to survive the accidental shooting.
The 78-year-old Republican was hit in the face, neck and chest by birdshot from a shotgun fired by Cheney during a mishap on Feb. 11. He suffered a mild heart attack that was caused by birdshot that had traveled to his heart.
According to a Kenedy County Sheriff's Department report, Whittington told Texas investigators that alcohol was not involved in the accident. Cheney told an investigator that he did not see Whittington while aiming for a bird. Police closed the investigation without filing any charges.
Cheney, speaking before a cheering legislature in his home state of Wyoming, conceded that it had been a "long week" for him and said he was happy that Whittington was recovering.
"I want to thank you for that welcome home," Cheney said. "It's a wonderful experience to be greeted by such warmth by the leaders of our great state. It's especially true when you've had a very long week. Thankfully, Harry Whittington is on the mend and doing well."
Cheney, his office and the White House took heated criticism this week for not revealing the incident to the national press immediately. Cheney remained silent for four days before giving an interview to Fox News where he appeared emotional and contrite as he accepted responsibility both for the hunting accident and the aftermath.
"It was not Harry's fault," Cheney said Wednesday in the interview. "You can't blame anybody else. I'm the guy who pulled the trigger and shot my friend. And I say that is something I'll never forget."
Cheney described the horror of the incident in the interview.
"The image of him falling is something I'll never be able to get out of my mind," he said. "I fired, and there's Harry falling. And it was, I'd have to say, one of the worst days of my life, at that moment."
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