Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced another unfortunate incident on Thursday when he fell in the Russell basement. Known to be a fervent debater, McConnell was in the middle of a tense exchange with a reporter from The Sunrise Movement when he met with the ground.
“Do you support ICE taking working people off the streets and kidnapping them?” the reporter pressed, a question that seemingly carried the weight of political contention. At 83, McConnell’s history of polio has left him with a notably weak leg, emphasizing the precariousness of his physical condition during such exchanges.
WATCH:
Sen. Mitch McConnell fell in the Russell basement while being questioned by The Sunrise Movement, who captured this moment on video. pic.twitter.com/BeGNEE5SgP
— Erik Rosales (@ErikRosalesNews) October 16, 2025
This isn’t McConnell’s first tumble; in February, he remarkably fell not once, but twice within the span of a single day. After confirming the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, he took a spill on marble steps. It was a fall that, according to reports at the time, left him with bruises and perhaps, more notably, questions about his safety as a senior legislator.
New: McConnell fell in a room, landing on his side while carrying a plate of food. He might have bruised his face.
— John Bresnahan (@bresreports) February 5, 2025
McConnell’s frequent physical misfortunes have become a point of concern, particularly after being spotted in a wheelchair following multiple falls the same day.
Mitch McConnell is in a wheelchair after several falls today. pic.twitter.com/pDd03oBgQl
— Max Cohen (@maxpcohen) February 5, 2025
Notably, CNN’s Manu Raju reported, “Mitch McConnell fell outside the chamber, and GOP senators confirmed he also fell inside the GOP lunch.” Such incidents underscore the challenges an aging leader faces within the demanding sphere of politics, particularly for someone who has bravely navigated life post-polio.
Mitch McConnell fell outside the chamber, and per GOP senators, also fell inside the GOP lunch. A childhood polio survivor, he walks with a limp and has experienced several falls over the years, one of which led to a concussion. pic.twitter.com/zIhFNB04xU
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 5, 2025
Last December, following a sprain from a fall at a Senate Republican luncheon, questions were raised about McConnell’s fitness to serve. The 82-year-old senator was filmed needing aid to walk, leading some to suggest a potential retirement might be in order.
TRAGIC
New leaked video shows the disturbing reality that 82-year-old Senator Mitch McConnell struggles to walk after his fall yesterday. Is it time for him to retire? pic.twitter.com/SwG6P14cbe
— Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) December 11, 2024
In addition to his falls, McConnell has also experienced episodes of “freezing,” a condition affecting his mobility, leading to significant struggles in his role. In 2023, he suffered a concussion and a broken bone from another fall, necessitating hospitalization and rehabilitation before he returned to Senate duties.
