Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum said he would be entering rehab and stepping away from politics after he was mentioned in a police report related to his friend’s drug overdose.
Gillum was at a Miami hotel room where his friend, Travis Dyson, overdosed on crystal meth.
Police say they made contact with Gillum after another man found him and Dyson in a room "under the influence of an unknown substance."
Gillum was “vomiting” in the bathroom while Dyson “collapsed” on the bed, according to the police report obtained by The Miami New Times.
"Officers then attempted to speak to Mr. Gillum," the report said. "Mr. Gillum was unable to communicate with officers due to his inebriated state."
"Inside the hotel room, officers observed in plain sight three small clear plastic baggies containing suspected crystal meth on both the bed and floor of the hotel room," the report added. "Mr. Gillum left the hotel room and returned to his residence without incident."
Gillum said he never used meth:
"I was in Miami last night for a wedding celebration when first responders were called to assist one of my friends. While I had too much to drink, I want to be clear that I have never used methamphetamines," Gillum said in a statement to the Miami Herald's David Smiley. "I apologize to the people of Florida for the distraction this has caused our movement. I'm thankful to the incredible Miami Beach EMS team for their efforts. I will spend the next few weeks with my family and appreciate privacy during this time."
But Dyson was “confused” when the New Times asked him about the wedding.
"I personally was not celebrating a wedding," he said. "I don't know if [Gillum] was in town for a wedding. He did not mention that."
Gillum headed to rehab:
Gillum said he is stepping away from politics and entering rehab after the incident, according to Politico.
“This has been a wake-up call for me,” he said. “Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse. I witnessed my father suffer from alcoholism and I know the damaging effects it can have when untreated. I also know that alcoholism is often a symptom of deeper struggles.“
"I will be stepping down from all public facing roles for the foreseeable future,” he added.
