Topline
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is “fine” after he tripped and fell in a Senate building Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for the former top Senate Republican told The Hill, marking the latest in a series of public falls and other health episodes for the 83-year-old.
McConnell, 83, has taken multiple public falls in recent years. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
Videos circulating social media Thursday afternoon show McConnell walking through a Senate building while gripping the arm of a man who appears to be part of his security detail, as a woman approaches McConnell to ask about his support for immigration raids.
McConnell then stumbles and falls, and the security officer and a police officer lift him back to his feet.
After the fall, McConnell turned to the camera and waved before walking off.
Forbes reached out to a spokesperson for McConnell for comment.
How Many Times Has Mcconnell Fallen In Recent Years?
McConnell has taken a number of public stumbles in recent years, including a December fall that led to a brief absence from the Senate. He fell during a Republican luncheon and stayed home from the Senate two days later because of stiffness in his leg, his office said. McConnell also fell during a private dinner in Washington, D.C., in March 2023, which landed him in the hospital. He suffered a concussion and a fractured rib from the fall, and he was absent from the Senate for nearly six weeks. In July 2023, McConnell fell while departing a plane, and two weeks later, he froze for nearly 20 seconds while speaking during a news conference, an incident that intensified concerns about the senator’s health. He appeared to freeze again for about 30 seconds the following month while addressing reporters at an event hosted by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
Key Background
McConnell survived polio as a child, and earlier this year, his office cited the “lingering effects of polio” as a reason for his use of a wheelchair, while claiming it would “not disrupt his regular schedule of work.” McConnell has lately been seen holding the arm of a security officer while walking around the Capitol, the New York Times reported, adding he also suffers from substantial hearing loss. McConnell announced earlier this year he would not seek reelection, ending his four-decade term in January 2027. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., succeeded McConnell as the Republican leader in the Senate in January.
Further Reading
Mitch McConnell Absent From Senate After Fall (Forbes)
Mitch McConnell announces he’ll retire, ending his four-decade Senate career (NBC News)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/10/16/sen-mitch-mcconnell-reportedly-fine-after-latest-fall-in-senate-building/
