WASHINGTON — A scary moment on Capitol Hill Wednesday saw Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stop speaking for 20 seconds and go silent before being escorted away from the cameras.
The moment occurred when McConnell (R-Ky.) made his opening remarks about an annual defense policy bill at the weekly Republican leadership news conference. His Republican colleagues quickly realized something was wrong before a top McConnell deputy, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) escorted the 81-year-old leader away.
McConnell returned a few minutes later and was asked about his health, saying he said he was fine. When asked if he could still do his job, he answered “Yeah”.
An aide for McConnell said the senator “felt lightheaded and stepped away for a moment.”
McConnell spoke to reporters before leaving Capitol Hill, saying President Joe Biden called him to check on him.
“The president called to check on me. I told him I got sandbagged,” he joked.
A White House official confirmed to Fwrd Axis News that McConnell and Biden spoke by phone Wednesday evening.
The episode comes after McConnell was hospitalized back in March with a concussion and a minor rib fracture. He suffered the injuries after tripping at the event for the Senate Leadership Fund.
There have been more questions raised following Wednesday’s episode. NBC News reported that McConnell tripped and fell getting off a plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport this month.
McConnell has also recently been using a wheelchair as a precaution when he moving through crowded airports.
McConnell has served in the Senate since 1985 and is not up for re-election until 2026, which would make him 86 years old.
