Sen. Mitch McConnell. Photo:
Aaron Schwartz/NurPhoto via Getty
Moments after Mitch McConnell voted to confirm President Donald Trump‘s pick for HUD secretary, the 82-year-old Kentucky senator fell down the stairs, according to multiple reports.
“Sen. McConnell slipped and fell walking out of the Senate chamber just now,” wrote Alexander Bolton, a journalist for The Hill, on X on Feb. 5., “but he was immediately helped to his feet by security and colleagues, including Sens. Steve Daines and Markwayne Mullin. McConnell then walked to Mansfield Room without help.”
Chad Pergram, senior congressional correspondent for FOX News Channel, also confirmed the news on X that McConnell was helped up by his colleagues after falling down Senate stairs. Pergram said he had just voted to confirm Scott Turner to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Scott Turner. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty
Igor Bobic, a senior HuffPost reporter, added further insight about McConnell’s well-being on X shortly after the fall.
“McConnell fell again outside Senate chamber,” Bobic wrote, “but was able to get up. He’s in GOP lunch now, standing. His colleagues are huddled around him.”
A spokesperson for McConnell tells PEOPLE that the senator is “fine,” adding, “The lingering effects of polio in his left leg will not disrupt his regular schedule as work.”
McConnell is temporarily using a wheelchair out of precaution.
Sen. John Boozman and Sen. Mitch McConnell. Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty
Wednesday’s incident is the latest in a series of stumbles involving the longtime Republican Senate leader over the past few years. Most recently, McConnell fell at the U.S. Capitol in December while leaving a Senate GOP luncheon, according to multiple reports.
At the time, The Hill reported that McConnell had spoken during the lunch, which was hosted by Senate Republican Conference Chair John Barrasso from Wyoming. Barrasso reportedly escorted McConnell back to his office after the incident, where he was followed by a medical team with a wheelchair.
South Dakota Sen. John Thune — who had just been elected to replace McConnell as the GOP Senate leader — said in a press conference that McConnell was “fine” and “in his office” following the incident, per The Hill.
Barrasso told reporters that McConnell fell in an area outside the Senate chamber and had a scratch on his face, according to Axios.
John Barrasso intervenes after Mitch McConnell freezes up during a press conference on July 26, 2023. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
McConnell has also had other concerning health episodes while in the public spotlight.
During a press conference at the Capitol in July 2023, McConnell suddenly stopped talking and froze up, leading his colleagues to intervene and ask if he wanted to go back to his office. The politician was seen turning away from the podium before later returning to continue speaking to reporters.
One reporter asked if the incident was related to the concussion he suffered in March 2023 after a fall at a dinner event, to which McConnell said, “I’m fine.”
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Just one month later, in August 2023, the politician suddenly went silent again during a press conference with reporters after being asked about his reelection plans in 2026.
An aide responded to the politician during the incident and repeated the question. When McConnell continued to remain unresponsive, a second aide approached him. The senator recovered moments later and moved on to the next question.
A spokesperson said at the time, “Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today.” An aide additionally shared, “While he feels fine, as a prudential measure, the Leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event.”
