Video shows Mitch McConnell, the 81-year-old Senate minority leader, abruptly freezing during a press conference in Kentucky. This is the second time he froze in about a month. He’s reportedly experienced several falls and health issues recently.
Mitch McConnell suddenly froze and struggled to speak at a press event with reporters on Wednesday, the second such incident in about a month.
It initially seemed that the Senate minority leader did not hear the question when reporters asked about his reelection plans at an event in Covington, Kentucky. But then he froze for about 30 seconds, and did respond to the question as aides intervened.
Sen. Mitch McConnell appearing to have another scary episode in the media gaggle in Covington today. Aides had to step in to help him out and repeat questions. He was eventually lead away. We’ll have the full video on @WLWT pic.twitter.com/q9ex5MHxLV— Hannah Thomas (@HannahPThomas) August 30, 2023
A McConnell spokesman said he merely “paused” because was “lightheaded”:
McConnell spokesman: “Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today.”
An aide also said that McConnell “feels fine” and “as a prudential measure, the leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event.” https://t.co/b5cmoBXSPm— Manu Raju (@mkraju) August 30, 2023
McConnell experienced a similar incident on July 26, when he suddenly stopped speaking and froze during Senate Republicans’ weekly press conference. The 81-year-old senator was escorted away from the lectern, but later returned and took questions from reporters.
Odd moment: McConnell freezes at start of Senate GOP leadership press conference and is escorted to the side by his colleagues pic.twitter.com/hT5bLnstOS— Raquel Martin (@RaquelMartinTV) July 26, 2023
Flag: McConnell just stopped abruptly during his opening statement during the gop leadership presser and appeared to be unable to restart talking.
