Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to undergo “non-surgical procedure,” transfer duties to deputy

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will undergo a procedure related to the bladder issue that prompted his hospitalization earlier this year, the Department of Defense said Friday afternoon.

The department called it a “scheduled, elective and minimally invasive” procedure that will take place at Walter Reed Medical Center later Friday, according to a statement.

Austin will transfer his duties temporarily to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, the department said.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.