Watch: Mitch McConnell Takes Another Fall Inside the U.S. Capitol

Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell suffered another public fall on Thursday while walking through the U.S. Capitol complex to cast his vote — the latest in a string of incidents raising questions about the aging lawmaker’s health and fitness for public service.

According to ABC News, the 83-year-old senator “fell to the floor while two volunteers from the environmental advocacy group Sunrise Movement approached the senator and asked him a question about Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.”

A video posted by EWTN Capitol Hill Correspondent Erik Rosales shows McConnell gripping the arm of one of his security detail for balance as he made his way toward the Senate chamber. Moments later, apparently realizing he was being filmed, McConnell let go and attempted to walk unassisted.

A woman from the activist group can then be heard confronting him:

“Do you support ICE taking working people off the streets and kidnapping them?”

At that moment, McConnell loses his balance and falls to the floor.

Security personnel and a Capitol Police officer immediately rushed to help him to his feet. After regaining his balance, McConnell turned toward the camera, waved, and continued on his way — while someone off-camera appeared to chuckle quietly.

This incident is far from isolated. McConnell, once a dominant figure in Senate politics, has suffered several health scares in recent years. NBC News reported that he was hospitalized in March 2023 after a fall that left him with a concussion, followed by an extended stay in a rehabilitation facility.

In February 2024, he announced that he would step down as Senate Republican leader, a position he had held since 2007 — the longest tenure for any party leader in Senate history.

That same summer, in July 2024, McConnell froze mid-sentence during a press conference, standing motionless at the podium as visibly concerned colleagues, including Sen. Joni Ernst and Sen. John Barrasso, tried to assist him.

“Is there anything else you want to say or should you just go back to your office?” Barrasso asked.
McConnell mouthed, “No,” and walked away.

In February 2025, McConnell confirmed that he would not seek reelection when his term ends in January 2027, effectively signaling the end of his long political career.

While McConnell remains a fixture in Washington, Thursday’s fall only renews the debate over the advanced age and physical capacity of many of America’s longest-serving lawmakers — an issue that continues to concern voters demanding fresh, capable leadership in a new era defined by President Donald J. Trump’s second-term reform agenda.