Republican chief Mitch McConnell, 83, journeys in Senate basement — Newest in sequence of falls and well being scares

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, 83, tripped and fell within the Russell Senate Workplace Constructing basement in Washington D.C. on Thursday (October 16) whereas a reporter questioned him about ICE. The reporter requested, “Do you assist ICE taking working folks off the streets and kidnapping them?” McConnell was helped up instantly, appeared unhurt, and was seen waving to the digital camera.

A historical past of falls and accidents

This newest fall provides to a sequence of health-related incidents for the longtime Kentucky senator.

McConnell additionally tripped a number of occasions close to the Senate chamber, together with two falls on February 5, 2025, the place he fell down stairs and was later seen being pushed in a wheelchair.

McConnell beforehand fell and sprained his wrist on December 10, 2024, whereas leaving a GOP luncheon with Wyoming Senator John Barrasso. Throughout that incident, McConnell additionally sustained a lower on his face however was cleared to proceed his schedule, even strolling from his workplace to the Senate chamber for a vote whereas carrying a bandage and wrist brace.

In 2023, McConnell was hospitalized with a concussion after tripping in a downtown Washington lodge, inflicting him to overlook a number of weeks of labor, as per a number of stories. That very same 12 months, he skilled a number of public episodes by which he appeared to freeze whereas talking to reporters, elevating additional questions on his well being. Throughout a July information convention, he froze for a number of seconds, and an identical episode occurred in August in Kentucky.

Reportedly, earlier falls embody a 2019 incident at his Kentucky residence that resulted in a fractured shoulder requiring surgical procedure.

Underlying well being challenges

McConnell has mobility difficulties stemming from polio in his early childhood. These challenges have continued into maturity, contributing to his repeated falls and occasional freezing episodes.

Senate profession and management

McConnell has served within the Senate since 1984 and has been the Republican chief since 2007. Regardless of current incidents, he has said his intent to finish his Senate time period, which expires in 2027.