Cheney Had Heart Device Disabled To Prevent Terrorists From Sending Fatal Shock

Former Vice President Dick Cheney
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Fearing that terrorists might use the electrical device implanted near his heart to kill him, former Vice President Dick Cheney said he had his doctor turn off its wireless function in 2007.

In an interview set to air Sunday on “60 Minutes,” Cheney, who has a long history of heart problems, said his cardiologist disabled the defibrillator’s wireless function over concern that terrorists could use it to send a fatal shock. Years after the procedure, Cheney noticed that very scenario play out in an episode of the show “Homeland.”

“I was aware of the danger…that existed…I found it credible,” Cheney said. “I know from the experience we had and the necessity for adjusting my own device, that it was an accurate portrayal of what was possible.”

 

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