Featured Image Credit: The Sunrise Movement
Topics: Mitch McConnell, Politics, US News, Health
Callum Jones
Topics: Mitch McConnell, Politics, US News, Health
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell tripped and fell to the ground in a Capitol hallway as he made his way to the governmental building for votes.
A video captured by environmental advocacy group Sunrise Movement saw McConnell stumble to the ground as he was asked questions by the group about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Ultimately, the Senator did not respond to the question as he looked unsteady and fell to the ground.
He was forced back onto his feet by aides, and gave a wave to the camera before walking off with the help of his detail.
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McConnell, 83, has already said he does not plan to seek reelection the next time Americans go to the ballot box, meaning he is expected to remain in position until January 2027.
The Senator has had multiple health scares in the past few yeas - some of which have been captured in the public eye.
In 2023, during a press conference at Covington Kentucky, McConnell stared blankly ahead after being asked by a reporter whether he had plans to run for reelection.
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McConnell remained silent for around thirty seconds after being asked the question, not giving any response.
An aide could then be seen to tell the assembled journalists 'we're going to need a minute', before McConnell appeared to indicate that he wished to proceed with the press conference.
A spokesperson for McConnell said after the incident: "Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today."
Earlier on that year, the Senator froze once more at a press conference in Washington D.C.
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He had been talking about the annual defence bill, saying that it was proceeding with 'good bipartisan cooperation'. However, McConnell then appeared to trail off before staring blankly ahead.
An aide could be heard saying: “Hey Mitch, anything else you want to say? Or should we just go back to your office? Do you want to say anything else to the press?”
He was then led away back into his office, leaving the room confused as to what just happened.
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The Senator did return a few minutes later, however, and assured the room that he was fine to continue.
On Thursday (October 16), McConnell took to the Senate to vote on issues relating to the governmental shutdown, which is now in its 16th day.
The record for the longest government closure in US history took place during Donald Trump’s first term in office, lasting for 34 days.