Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell freezes during press conference for second time in weeks | US News
The 81-year-old appeared to freeze earlier than being requested if he had heard the query. Aides mentioned the senator had felt light-headed earlier than the occasion.
The US Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell appeared to freeze for greater than 30 seconds during a public look, weeks after an identical incident sparked concern for his well being.
When requested if he would run for re-election on Wednesday, the 81-year-old Kentucky Republican stopped and stared, earlier than being requested: “Did you hear the question, senator?”
Mr McConnell continued to be unresponsive earlier than coming spherical and briefly responding to a different query.
It comes after the senator froze mid-sentence and stared vacantly for about 20 seconds during a press conference in July.
After refocusing, Mr McConnell dismissed a query he was requested about former President Donald Trump – one other that needed to be repeated to him – and left the conference.
A spokesperson for the senator mentioned that he had “felt momentarily light-headed” earlier than the conference in Kentucky, and he might be consulting a health care provider previous to the subsequent public occasion.
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Last month, Mr McConnell froze after approaching the rostrum for his weekly press conference and talking concerning the annual defence funding invoice, he appeared to lose his prepare of thought and trailing off with a drawn-out “uh”.
Questions had been being requested concerning the state of Mr McConnell’s well being after his speech has turn into extra halting and his stroll slower than standard.
He has been seen utilizing a wheelchair on his commutes to and from Kentucky
In March, Mr McConnell didn’t return to the Senate for six weeks after affected by concussion and a damaged rib after falling and hitting his head at an occasion.
He additionally wanted surgical procedure after a separate incident when he fell in his residence and fractured his shoulder.
As a toddler, Mr McConnell had polio, and he has lengthy acknowledged some issue as an grownup in climbing stairs.
First elected to the Senate in 1984, and as Republican leader since 2007, Mr McConnell’s present time period runs till 2026.
