Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has reassured the public about his health after a concerning incident during a press conference. The 81-year-old senator from Kentucky froze at the podium for nearly 20 seconds, prompting fears for his well-being.
However, he brushed off concerns and joked that he had been “sandbagged” when President Joe Biden had called to check on him following the incident.
“The president called to check on me. I told him I got sandbagged,” McConnell told reporters hours after the incident on Wednesday.
“I’m fine,” he insisted when pressed about his health. “Gotta watch those sandbags.”
The senator was referring to Biden’s own public episode of tripping and falling at the US Air Force Academy graduation back in June. The president’s fall was attributed to tripping over a sandbag on stage, and the White House stood by this explanation.
Despite insisting he was fine, sources revealed that McConnell suffered a fall while disembarking a plane on July 14, according to a report from NBC News. He reportedly “tripped and fell in a mishap described as a ‘face plant’ by a passenger who did not witness it but spoke to someone who did.”
This accident had not been publicly disclosed previously as the senator was reportedly not seriously hurt and was seen back at the Capitol later that day.
McConnell has a history of health issues related to falls. He previously broke his rib, sustained a concussion, and fractured a shoulder in separate incidents.
An unidentified Republican senator noted that McConnell’s gait has become slower, and he has not addressed health issues during meetings.
As the Senate Minority leader, McConnell’s health is of public interest, and it remains to be seen how he will manage any potential health challenges while continuing to fulfill his responsibilities.
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