Politics
WATCH: Mitch McConnell Suffers Nasty Fall On Capitol Hill
Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), 83, suffered a nasty fall in the basement of the Russell Senate Office Building on Thursday.
Footage of the incident shows McConnell walking towards a connecting hallway while being assisted by an aide, who was holding his right wrist as the two made their way towards the entrance. A left-wing protester then approached the senator and began to ask whether he supports U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents “kidnapping” illegal aliens.
As the activist was asking her question, McConnell let go of the aide’s hand and began to walk a few steps without assistance. He then abruptly toppled to the ground, catching what could have been a catastrophic fall by dropping to his knees.
He was then assisted to his feet by the aide and a nearby Capitol Police officer. After standing back up, McConnell cracked a smile and waved to the camera before both the officer and aide helped to assist him towards the hallway.
Sen. Mitch McConnell fell in the Russell basement, while being questioned my members of The Sunrise Movement, who took this video. pic.twitter.com/BeGNEE5SgP
— Erik Rosales (@ErikRosalesNews) October 16, 2025
McConnell has struggled with mobility issues throughout his life after he contracted polio at the age of two. While he recovered from the acute phase, the disease resulted in lasting residual effects, particularly in his left leg.
He walks with a persistent limp due to the muscle weakness in his left leg, often requiring assistance from aides when navigating stairs.
McConnell has experienced multiple falls linked to his polio-related mobility issues, including a 2019 incident in which he suffered a shoulder fracture at his home. He also suffered a concussion and broken ribs after falling at a hotel in 2023, in addition a minor fall during a trip to Finland that year, and another trip while disembarking a plane.
Earlier this year, the longtime Senator announced that he would not be seeking re-election in 2026, setting up an end to his four-decade career on Capitol Hill. The announcement followed his previous decision to step down as senate majority leader in 2024.
“During my time in the Senate, I’ve only really answered to two constituencies — the Republican conference and the people of Kentucky,” he said when announcing his retirement, adding that his time in office has been “the honor of a lifetime.”
