Kentucky Sen Mitch McConnell on Thursday fell down in the basement of a Capitol building after he was asked a tense question about US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The viral video shows the 83-year-old Republican walking unaided when he suddenly collapsed and was later helped by his security. Sen. Mitch McConnell tripped and fell while being confronted by a protester asking about ICE.
An activist with the Sunrise Movement asked the senator whether he supports ICE “taking working people off the streets and kidnapping them” before the former majority leader is seen falling forward and landing on his side, the video of the footage shows.
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Mitch McConnell's team issues statement
The video shows his aide and a Capitol Police officer standing him up before the senator turns to the camera and waves. A spokesperson for McConnell told The Independent that the senator is “all good.” He was on his way to the Senate to cast votes on short-term spending bills to end the government shutdown.
McConnell's team issued a statement addressing concerns about his health. McConnell is the longest-serving party leader in the upper chamber’s history. He has faced intense scrutiny over his health following a series of public incidents in which he appeared to freeze for several seconds while talking to reporters.
He reportedly suffered two falls earlier this year, and he experienced a similar incident in December, when he fell inside the Capitol and sustained minor injuries. McConnell, who has walked with a limp after recovering from polio at a young age, returned to work in the Senate shortly after with a bandage on his cheek.
In 2023, McConnell froze up while speaking in at least two incidents, and he was away from the Senate for weeks after tripping at a Washington dinner. He was hospitalized for five nights after the fall left him with a concussion and a fractured rib. He underwent physical therapy.
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The incident marks the latest in a series of health-related episodes for McConnell and has reignited debates over age limits in Congress. Online reactions poured in swiftly, describing the moment as both ‘brutal’ and ‘concerning'.
McConnell has been one of the few Republicans who have opposed Trump's policies. “So lest any of our colleagues still doubt my intentions for the remainder of my term, I have some unfinished business to attend to. Regardless of the political storms that may wash over this chamber, during the time I have remaining, I assure our colleagues I will depart with great hope for the endurance of the Senate as an institution," he had said.
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He emphasized that he remains “in good shape” and declined to comment further on the incidents, which his office has yet to clarify despite criticism from members of Congress questioning his fitness to serve. That same year, the Office of the Attending Physician for Congress cleared him medically, stating he was “fit to continue with his schedule as planned.”
Aru Shiney-Ajay, executive director of the Sunrise Movement, which captured footage of Thursday’s interaction, said the senator “couldn’t even answer a simple question without falling down, and it’s certainly not the first time he hasn’t been able to answer young people.”
“Both parties are run by out-of-touch octogenarians who have been in politics for longer than we’ve been alive,” Shiney-Ajay said. “Their incompetence and need to cling to power aren’t just embarrassing; they’re costly, and the American people are paying the price.”
An activist with the Sunrise Movement asked the senator whether he supports ICE “taking working people off the streets and kidnapping them” before the former majority leader is seen falling forward and landing on his side, the video of the footage shows.
ALSO READ: 'No Kings' protests on Saturday: Anti-Trump rallies planned in 50 US cities tomorrow. Check full list, what organizers said and more
Mitch McConnell's team issues statement
The video shows his aide and a Capitol Police officer standing him up before the senator turns to the camera and waves. A spokesperson for McConnell told The Independent that the senator is “all good.” He was on his way to the Senate to cast votes on short-term spending bills to end the government shutdown.McConnell's team issued a statement addressing concerns about his health. McConnell is the longest-serving party leader in the upper chamber’s history. He has faced intense scrutiny over his health following a series of public incidents in which he appeared to freeze for several seconds while talking to reporters.
He reportedly suffered two falls earlier this year, and he experienced a similar incident in December, when he fell inside the Capitol and sustained minor injuries. McConnell, who has walked with a limp after recovering from polio at a young age, returned to work in the Senate shortly after with a bandage on his cheek.
In 2023, McConnell froze up while speaking in at least two incidents, and he was away from the Senate for weeks after tripping at a Washington dinner. He was hospitalized for five nights after the fall left him with a concussion and a fractured rib. He underwent physical therapy.
ALSO READ: 'No Kings' protest to hit US cities on October 18: Nationwide anti-Trump rallies planned across 2500 locations. What you need to know
The incident marks the latest in a series of health-related episodes for McConnell and has reignited debates over age limits in Congress. Online reactions poured in swiftly, describing the moment as both ‘brutal’ and ‘concerning'.
McConnell has been one of the few Republicans who have opposed Trump's policies. “So lest any of our colleagues still doubt my intentions for the remainder of my term, I have some unfinished business to attend to. Regardless of the political storms that may wash over this chamber, during the time I have remaining, I assure our colleagues I will depart with great hope for the endurance of the Senate as an institution," he had said.
Mitch McConnell recovered from freezing?
The senator has seldom spoken publicly about the incidents. In a 2023 interview with CBS Face the Nation, he said he had “completely recovered” after a momentary freeze in front of reporters that year. “I’m fine, I’m completely recovered and just fine,” he insisted.ALSO READ: Verizon outage hits major US cities: Internet, mobile services down in New York, Boston and Washington. Check latest update
He emphasized that he remains “in good shape” and declined to comment further on the incidents, which his office has yet to clarify despite criticism from members of Congress questioning his fitness to serve. That same year, the Office of the Attending Physician for Congress cleared him medically, stating he was “fit to continue with his schedule as planned.”
Aru Shiney-Ajay, executive director of the Sunrise Movement, which captured footage of Thursday’s interaction, said the senator “couldn’t even answer a simple question without falling down, and it’s certainly not the first time he hasn’t been able to answer young people.”
“Both parties are run by out-of-touch octogenarians who have been in politics for longer than we’ve been alive,” Shiney-Ajay said. “Their incompetence and need to cling to power aren’t just embarrassing; they’re costly, and the American people are paying the price.”
