Mitch McConnell escorted away after freezing during bizarre press conference
‘The 81-year-old Senate Republican leader began remarks to reporters but stopped suddenly and had to be led away’
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has insisted he is “fine” after appearing to freeze during a bizarre press conference on Wednesday.
The lawmaker, 81, began his remarks on Capitol Hill but then stopped suddenly, staring blankly ahead for 30 seconds.
His colleagues then stepped in to check on him.
Republican Senator John Barrasso could be seen touching Mr McConnell’s arm while asking him: “Hey Mitch, anything else you want to say? Or should we just go back to your office? Do you want to say anything else to the press?”
Mr McConnell, a Kentucky Republican was led away to his office by an aide, before returning to resume the press conference minutes later.
Earlier this year, the longest-serving Senate party leader in history tripped at a Washington dinner on Mar 8 and was admitted to a hospital for treatment of a concussion. He also suffered a minor rib fracture and was later moved to a rehabilitation facility. He returned to the Senate in April.
When asked by a reporter what had happened and if it was related to a fall, he said: “No, I’m fine.”
