Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced a fall on Tuesday, resulting in a sprained wrist as he exited a GOP luncheon. This incident marks yet another in a string of health-related events that McConnell has faced in recent years.
McConnell, who is planning to step down from his leadership role by the year’s end, was leaving the weekly party meeting accompanied by Wyoming Senator John Barrasso when he tripped and fell. Barrasso reported that McConnell managed to walk back to his office independently, though medical personnel were soon seen entering to check on him.
The 82-year-old politician also sustained a cut on his face but was given the green light to continue his daily activities. Notably, he did miss a scheduled news conference that was set to occur shortly after the luncheon.
Barrasso, who serves as the No. 3 leader in the Senate and is also trained as a physician, stated that McConnell was “fine” and completely alert following the incident. Later that day, McConnell made his way to the Senate chamber for a vote, donning a bandage on his left cheek and a brace on his left wrist.
This mishap occurred just months after McConnell was hospitalized for a concussion in March 2023, an injury he sustained after a fall at a hotel, which led to several weeks away from his duties. Upon his return, he faced two unsettling episodes during press conferences in the summer, during which he appeared to freeze up, remaining blankly staring until assistance arrived from his colleagues and staff.
McConnell’s health history includes having polio in his early years, leading to acknowledged challenges in walking and climbing stairs during his adulthood. Besides this latest incident, he had previously fallen in 2019 at his residence in Kentucky, which resulted in a shoulder fracture that necessitated surgery.
Serving in the Senate since 1984, McConnell has held the position of Republican leader since 2007. Next year, when Republicans regain the majority, South Dakota Senator John Thune is expected to take over as the Senate majority leader.
