Defense Secretary Robert Gates has reportedly broken his right shoulder.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night as Gates fell on an icy step of his home in Washington, D.C. He is currently receiving treatment at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center according to the Pentagon. He was taken to the military hospital on Wednesday after he realized his injury needed medical attention, Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said.

"I think he's in a lot of pain."

Morrell added that it looks like the Defense Secretary won’t need surgery.

Despite the broken shoulder, Gates is continuing to fulfill his duties as the country’s Defense Secretary, said Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman.

"Secretary Gates has been examined by a physician and is receiving treatment for this injury and continues to perform all other duties and responsibilities of his position," Whitman said.

Gates’ appearance on the Capitol Hill scheduled for Wednesday was canceled because of the incident. During his appearance he was expected to testify on the Pentagon's budget for the new fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England will take his place at the hearing.

Washington and the surrounding area were hit by an ice storm on Tuesday. Besides a terrible traffic, the ice storm prevented many people from casting their vote in the presidential primaries in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland.

The report released by the National Weather Service, which issued an ice storm warning on Wednesday, at least a quarter-inch of ice could build up on the roads and sidewalks in the region.