Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell suffered a minor injury on Tuesday when he tripped at the Capitol, spraining his wrist and sustaining a small cut to his face, according to his office. Despite the fall, the 82-year-old senator has been cleared to carry on with his scheduled activities.
Sources indicate that McConnell fell while walking from a closed-door GOP lunch to the Senate floor. Fellow senators, including incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, affirmed that McConnell is doing well, stating, “He is fine, he’s in his office,” during a press conference where McConnell was notably absent.
Senator John Barrasso, who is also a physician, was present with McConnell post-fall and confirmed that McConnell was in good spirits, walking back to his office on his own after the incident. Although a medical team arrived and an ambulance was stationed outside, there was no indication of serious injury.
This incident adds to a series of health concerns for McConnell, who has faced several falls in the past year, including a concussion from a previous fall at a hotel and other instances where he appeared to freeze momentarily while speaking.
McConnell will retain his position as the GOP leader until the new Congress begins in early January, when Thune will officially take over that role. Nevertheless, McConnell plans to continue serving in the Senate until the end of his term, which concludes in January 2027.
In light of McConnell’s resilience in the face of health challenges, it’s hopeful to see his commitment to his duties as a senator. This demonstrates his dedication to serving his constituents, and it is encouraging to know that he is recuperating well and continuing to be an active participant in the Senate.