- The Washington Times - Friday, March 13, 2020

Andrew Gillum, the former Tallahassee mayor who narrowly lost the 2018 Florida gubernatorial race, denied using methamphetamines after Miami Beach police say he was discovered intoxicated in a hotel room with bags of suspected drugs and a person who appeared to have overdosed Friday morning.

“I was in Miami last night for a wedding celebration when first responders were called to assist one of my friends,” Mr. Gillum said in a statement, WCTV reported. “While I had too much to drink, I want to be clear that I have never used methamphetamines. 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,” he said. “I will spend the next few weeks with my family and appreciate privacy during this time.”

Police say they responded to the Mondrian South Beach early Friday morning after reports of a man going through a possible drug overdose. The man was reportedly in stable condition, but was taken to a hospital as a precaution.

Mr. Gillum was with the man in the hotel room along with another man named Aldo Mejias, The Miami Herald reported.

A police report said officers found three clear plastic baggies of suspected crystal meth on the bed and floor, WCTV reported.

According to police, Mr. Gillum was too intoxicated to communicate with them and was later allowed to go home. He was not arrested.

• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.

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