Mitch McConnell falls during Senate Republican luncheon

Mitch McConnell falls during Senate Republican luncheon

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell fell during the Senate Republican luncheon on Tuesday.

It was initially unclear whether the 82-year-old McConnell was injured and how serious the fall was. Two medical responders were briefly seen entering and then leaving his office.

Shortly afterward, McConnell’s office released a statement saying he suffered a “minor cut” to his face and a “sprained wrist” as a result of the incident.

“Leader McConnell stumbled after lunch. He sustained a minor cut on his face and sprained his wrist. He has been cleared to resume his schedule,” his spokesman said.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell wears a bandage on his face as he walks to vote in the Senate after falling during a luncheon on Capitol Hill, December 10, 2024, in Washington.

Mark Schiefelbein/AP

Newly elected Senate Republican leader John Thune, who will take over from McConnell in January, was asked about McConnell’s ouster during the Republicans’ post-lunch news conference.

“He’s fine, he’s in his office,” Thune said, deferring further questions to McConnell’s staff.

McConnell, who walked with a limp after overcoming polio at a young age, had fallen before.

A March 2023 fall at a Washington hotel led to an extended absence from the Senate. McConnell suffered a concussion and broken ribs from the incident, requiring hospitalization and outpatient rehabilitation, forcing him to miss six weeks from Capitol Hill.

McConnell also caused concern after two episodes last year in which he appeared to freeze in front of television cameras, although he was later cleared to work by the Capitol doctor.

The longtime Kentucky senator announced in February that he was stepping down from the leadership role he held for two decades.

PHOTO: Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell leaves his office with a splint on his left wrist and a bandage on his cheek after falling at the U.S. Capitol on December 10, 2024, in Washington.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell leaves his office with a brace on his left wrist and a bandage on his cheek after falling at the U.S. Capitol on December 10, 2024 in Washington. He wore a brace on his left hand and had a visible bandage under his left eye.

Allison Pecorin/ABC News

McConnell left his office later Tuesday afternoon to vote on the Senate floor.

McConnell wore a brace on his left hand and a visible bandage under his left eye.

When asked by ABC News how he was feeling, he said “fine.”

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