JD Vance leads rallygoers in Lord’s Prayer after woman collapses: 'Pray as the Lord taught us to pray'
Vice President JD Vance led Nebraska rallygoers in the Lord’s Prayer Thursday, then walked into the stands to check on a woman who collapsed behind him.
Supporters on risers behind the stage grew worried about a woman among them, and a few attendees waved down police Thursday, USA Today reported. The rally took place at the D&N Event Center in North Platte.
The woman seemed to faint, according to reports.
Vance stopped speaking. “All right, looks like we got a medical issue, everybody. So, let’s just say a prayer and hope everybody’s OK,” he said, then called from the stage for his team’s doctor.
Police gathered around the woman as people nearby waved campaign signs to fan her.
Vance moved between the podium and the front of the stage as he watched, and told the crowd to stay calm and let doctors and police work.
He called on first responders and his own medical staff to treat the woman and told the crowd to make room for them, according to TNND.
“While they’re working on her, maybe those who are of the praying type will join me in a prayer,” Vance said. He made the sign of the cross and led the Lord’s Prayer as several in the crowd prayed along. “Always in moments like this, try to pray as the Lord taught us to pray,” he said. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, has spoken often about his faith.
The audience fell silent while emergency workers treated the woman. Vance thanked those helping her and asked the audience to think of her.
He later stepped away from the podium, walked to the woman and spoke with her. Vance told the crowd she was “doing fine” and said she had told him this was her first rally. She appeared to recover.
Medical emergencies are fairly common at campaign rallies, where people often stand for long periods in large crowds.
The rally resumed, though Vance closed it soon after, telling the crowd he loved Nebraska and would return soon.
Vance later posted on X that he was praying for the woman and wished her a “speedy recovery.”
Vance was the main speaker at the Republican midterm event, which also featured Sen. Pete Ricketts and Gov. Jim Pillen of Nebraska, both running for reelection, as well as Rep. Adrian Smith.
Vance praised Ricketts as a hard worker who loves Nebraska, joked about his hair and said the senator had fought for farms, ranches, American energy and lower taxes. “He’s already your senator and we’re going to reelect him,” Vance said.
Ricketts faces Dan Osborn in the Nov. 3 Senate race. Nebraska has long been seen as a Republican stronghold, though forecasts for the contest have moved from “Likely Republican” to “Leans Republican.”
At the rally, Vance also announced a $1.3 billion investment in Nebraska’s domestic fertilizer industry, which will open two manufacturing plants. He said 32,000 U.S. farmers working more than 4 million acres would get cheaper fertilizer made in the United States.
Farmers in the state have voiced concern in recent months over the administration’s tariffs, beef prices, import competition and rural investment.
Vance’s next rallies are set for Monday in Topeka, Kansas, and Belgrade, Montana.
