US Defence Secretary Robert Gates slipped on ice Tuesday evening and fractured his right shoulder, a Pentagon spokesman said Wednesday. Because of the injury, Gates, cancelled a scheduled appearance before a Senate committee to testify on the Pentagon's proposed 2009 budget, said Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman.
"Secretary Gates has been examined by a physician he and is receiving treatment for this injury and continues to perform all other duties and responsibilities of his position," Whitman said.
Gates slipped on the ice as he was climbing the steps to his house, but he didn't seek medical attention until Wednesday morning, said Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary. He is being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Morrell said, adding that the injury will not require surgery.