Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, 83, tripped and fell in the basement of the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington DC on Thursday (October 16) while being questioned by a reporter about ICE. The reporter asked, “Do you support ICE taking working people off the streets and kidnapping them?” McConnell was immediately helped to his feet, appearing unhurt and seen waving at the camera.
History of falls and injuries
This past fall adds to a string of health-related incidents for the longtime Kentucky senator.
McConnell has also tripped several times near the Senate, including two falls on February 5, 2025, when he fell down the stairs and was later seen being pushed in a wheelchair.
McConnell previously fell and sprained his wrist on Dec. 10, 2024, while leaving for a GOP luncheon with Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso. McConnell also suffered a cut to his face during the incident, but was cleared to continue his schedule, even walking from his office to the Senate for the vote while wearing a bandage and wrist brace.
In 2023, McConnell was hospitalized with a concussion after tripping at a downtown Washington hotel, causing him to miss several weeks of work, according to multiple reports. That same year, he had several public episodes in which he appeared to freeze when speaking to reporters, raising further questions about his health. He froze for a few seconds during a press conference in July, and a similar episode occurred in Kentucky in August.
Previous falls reportedly include a 2019 incident at his Kentucky home that resulted in a broken shoulder requiring surgery.
Basic health problems
McConnell has mobility issues stemming from polio. These problems persisted into adulthood and contributed to his repeated falls and occasional freezing episodes.
Senate career and leadership
McConnell has served in the Senate since 1984 and has been the Republican leader since 2007. Despite the recent incidents, he has indicated his intention to finish his Senate term, which expires in 2027.
