CBS News released a statement after a camera operator suffered a “medical emergency” live on air during the meeting. CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil.
“Tonight in the last half of the CBS Evening Newsour cameraman on set experienced a medical emergency. Thankfully, he is fine and recovering,” read a tweet from CBS News on Wednesday, May 13.
Before the night, Tony Dokoupil interrupted the live report on CBS Evening News when a member of the crew appears to fall in front of him. The episode was broadcast live from Taiwan before the President Donald Trumpmeeting with the President of China Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, May 14.
“And finally tonight from Taiwan, as President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare to meet, we will hear more about the decline of America and the rise of a new powerful China,” Dokoupil, 45, began his segment.
He then turned away from his text and asked, “Are you okay?”
I CBS Evening News He immediately cut off the live shooting as a commotion could be heard in the makeshift area.
After a few seconds of silence, Dokoupil announced to the audience, “We're going to take a quick break. We have a medical emergency here.”
Seconds before CBS Evening News it broke, the sounds of pained groans echoed through the air and more commotion on the set.
“We're calling a doctor,” Dokoupil told someone off camera.
“CBS Evening News” anchored Tony Dokoupil in April 2026.
Alex Wong/Getty ImagesI CBS Evening News live feed cut to reporter Matt Gutman in the CBS studio in New York City to explain what happened.
“I'm going to sign for Tony Dokoupil who was reporting in Taiwan,” Gutman, 48, announced to the audience. “We're going on vacation, we'll be back now!”
Many viewers shared their concerns as it was initially unclear what kind of health emergency was taking place on the live feed from Taiwan.
“I am very happy CBS Evening News photojournalist is ready! Shocking moment tonight during the final block,” one viewer tweeted on Wednesday, with another adding, “There was a medical emergency during CBS Evening News live on the East Coast. I hope their team will be fine!”
Wednesday's horrific incident happened after five months of Dokoupil as party leader. CBS Evening Newsafter he had previously participated CBS Mornings. (Dokoupil changed previous anchors Maurice DuBois again John Dickersonwho signed in December 2025.)
“We live in a time when many people no longer trust the media. Tony Dokoupil is the man who will win again. That's because he believes in the principles of old-school journalism: asking the hard questions, following the facts wherever they lead and being accountable. Americans who are hungry for justice will see that on a nightly show.” Barry Weisseditor-in-chief of CBS News, announced in December 2025.
When he was promoted to his position, Dokoupil said, “After 20 years in journalism, traveling to all 50 states and talking to people in the far reaches of America, I can see why such a great country needs a show like this publication.” Evening News be the backbone of that process. I am honored to join a brave team at this crucial time, and I can promise a commitment to trust and transparent truth.”
