Mitch McConnell Falls During Senate Republican Luncheon
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell fell during the Senate Republican luncheon Tuesday.
It’s unclear whether McConnell, 82, was injured or how serious the fall was. Two medical responders were seen briefly entering his office and have since left.
Newly elected Senate Republican leader John Thune, who will succeed McConnell in January, was asked about McConnell’s downfall at the Republican news conference after the lunch.
“He’s fine, he’s in his office,” Thune said, deferring further questions to McConnell’s staff. McConnell’s office has not yet released a statement.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, accompanied by Senate Minority Whip John Thune, answers a question from a reporter during a news conference following the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon, Nov. 19, 2024, in Washington.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
McConnell, who walked with a limp after overcoming polio at a young age, has had falls before.
A fall in March 2023 in a Washington hotel led to an extended absence from the Senate. McConnell suffered a concussion and fractured rib following the incident, requiring hospitalization and outpatient rehabilitation that forced him to miss six weeks on Capitol Hill.
McConnell also sparked concerns after two episodes last year in which he appeared to freeze in front of television cameras, although he was later cleared to work by the Capitol doctor.
The longtime Kentucky senator announced in February that he was stepping down from the leadership role he had held for two decades.
This is a developing story. Please check again for updates.
