Paul Gosar Swaying During Oversight Hearing Sparks Health Concerns

GOP Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona sparked health concerns and general alarm after exhibiting strange movements during a committee meeting Tuesday morning.

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability held its first meeting on border security, with the panel of lawmakers questioning two border patrol leaders from the Tucson and Rio Grande Valley sectors. During the questioning, Gosar was accused of echoing white nationalist conspiracy theories about "invasions" on the border and the "great replacement."

However, one particular aspect of his appearance at the meeting sparked concern about his well-being and prompted speculation about possible health problems. During his time to speak, Gosar swayed his head back and forth, and generally appeared to be moving erratically in his seat.

One Twitter user, going by Nene, alleged hypocrisy on the part of Republicans for ignoring potential health problem with Gosar despite expressing concerns over Democratic Senator John Fetterman during his 2022 campaign in Pennsylvania.

"So many questioned the health of John Fetterman though," the user wrote. "No one's health should be mocked but Republicans are quite silent when it comes to Paul Gosar's health."

"Paul Gosar chose to read sensational headlines from Fox, which we know is not a news station," user "Benevolent" wrote. "And wtf is going on with his bobble head? Watch him speak and tell me I'm wrong."

"Paul Gosar has serious physical and mental issues that should preclude him from holding elected office," another user, Grant Herbert, tweeted.

Another user, going by Tigernan Thorn, claimed to have exhibited similar behavior during past periods of drug use.

Gosar has denied rumors about his health over the years, claiming in 2015 to be "as healthy as a horse." AZCentral at the time reported that he had "for months tried to mask spasms in his left hand by tucking his hands in his pockets, under tables or clutching them behind his back."

Gosar further claimed that issues stemming from arthritis and two compressed vertebrae in his neck and lower back had contributed to the hand issue. He was also dealing with complications from a hip replacement surgery.

"Not gonna get rid of me that easily," he added at the time, in response to speculation that health issues would prevent him from seeking reelection in 2016.

It is unclear if these earlier issues are related to Gosar's movements on Tuesday. He was called out for similar swaying during an appearance in July 2021, with political commentator Keith Olbermann accusing him of being on drugs.

Newsweek reached out to Gosar's office for comment.

Update 2/7/23, 12:49 p.m. ET: This story was updated with additional information.