August 19, 1991
We are aware of the press reports concerning President Gorbachev. We have no details at this time. The President was informed by General Scowcroft. We are continuing to seek details.
Note: The statement referred to press reports of a coup against President Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union. Brent Scowcroft is Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.
George Bush, Statement by Deputy Press Secretary Popadiuk on the Attempted Coup in the Soviet Union Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/265887