Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell fell during a lunch with his colleagues on Tuesday, his office confirmed.
At first, it was unclear whether McConnell, 82, had been seriously hurt. Two medical responders briefly visited his office before leaving.
Later, McConnell’s office issued a statement saying he had a “minor cut” on his face and a “sprained wrist.”
“Leader McConnell tripped after lunch. He sustained a minor cut to his face and sprained his wrist. He has been cleared to continue his schedule,” his spokesperson said.
Don't Miss
Senator John Thune, who will replace McConnell as Senate Republican Leader in January, was asked about the fall during a press conference after the lunch. “He’s fine, he’s in his office,” Thune said, and directed further questions to McConnell’s staff.
McConnell, who has a limp from polio he had as a child, has fallen before. In March 2023, he fell at a Washington hotel and suffered a concussion and fractured rib, which kept him away from the Senate for six weeks. He also experienced two episodes last year where he appeared to freeze while speaking, though he was later cleared by the Capitol physician.
In February, McConnell announced he would step down from his leadership position, which he had held for two decades.
Later on Tuesday, McConnell was seen leaving his office to vote on the Senate floor. He was wearing a brace on his left hand and had a bandage under his left eye.
