Attorney General Pam Bondi suddenly withdrew from a scheduled appearance at Wednesday’s high-profile anti-trafficking summit, citing a medical emergency that prevented her attendance.
Bondi was expected to address CPAC’s Summit Against Human Trafficking when Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti delivered the unexpected news to attendees.
“I do have a note from the attorney general, from Attorney General Pam Bondi, that I wanted to share,” Galeotti announced to the audience.
Reading from Bondi’s prepared statement, Galeotti conveyed her message: “I’m sorry to miss all of my CPAC friends today.”
The attorney general’s statement continued: “Unfortunately, I am recovering from a recently torn cornea, which is preventing me from being with you.”
“I truly wish I was able to join you and support all of the work being done on this critical issue.”
Galeotti displayed visible nervousness as scattered applause emerged from the conference attendees following the reading of Bondi’s statement.
“We appreciate the applause for her and not boos for me,” Galeotti remarked with apparent unease.
“So I will do my best to fill those big shoes.”
Multiple attendees were observed leaving the conference hall after learning that the attorney general would not deliver her anticipated remarks.
The Department