McConnell falls, sprains wrist after GOP luncheon
FILE - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) takes a question from a reporter during a news conference following the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 19, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Gett
LOS ANGELES - Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell fell and sprained his wrist following a luncheon on Tuesday but is said to be doing "fine."
McConnell, 82, was walking out of his weekly party lunch with Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso when he tripped and fell, Barrasso said.
The longtime Republican leader headed back to his office on his own before medical personnel were seen heading to his office minutes later.
McConnell’s health
McConnell has had several concerning incidents regarding his health in the past. Most recently, the senator was hospitalized in March 2023 with a concussion after falling in a hotel.
He had to miss several weeks of work following the fall.
McConnell also had two instances of freezing up during news conferences in 2023 and would stare vacantly ahead before colleagues and staff came to assist him.
In 2019, McConnell tripped and fell in his Kentucky home, causing a shoulder fracture which required surgery.
Longest-serving Senate leader
McConnell will officially relinquish his role as his party’s Senate leader by the end of the year and will be replaced by Sen. John Thune, from South Dakota.
McConnell is the longest-serving Senate leader in America’s history.
He has been in the Senate since 1984 and has been a Republican leader since 2007.