Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) jokingly stated on Wednesday evening that he was “sandbagged” when he froze during a press conference earlier in the day.
McConnell informed reporters that President Biden called to check up on him after the incident.
“The president called to check on me. I told him I got sandbagged,” McConnell remarked, referring to Biden’s trip and fall over a sandbag at the U.S. Air Force Academy commencement last month.
Reporters inquired about the GOP leader’s well-being, whether he knew what had happened or planned to see a doctor. He responded multiple times by stating, “I’m fine.”
“Gotta watch those sandbags,” he added as he headed to the Senate floor.
Top Stories from The Hill
- Scary moment for McConnell raises questions for GOP
- McConnell freezes at briefing, concerning colleagues
- UFO whistleblower makes explosive claims, but wary of divulging details
- Are UFOs a national security risk? Hearing puts Pentagon on notice
McConnell, 81, temporarily stepped away during the press conference after members of his leadership team asked if he was alright and had anything else to say.
He eventually returned to the microphones to answer questions from reporters, assuring them that he was “fine” at the moment and proceeded with the press conference as usual. A McConnell spokesperson explained after the incident that he was lightheaded.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) reportedly mentioned that he and McConnell had their standing 3 p.m. ET meeting shortly after, and the Kentucky Republican seemed fine. He stated that he is not concerned about the leader’s health.
“There were no concerns about his health in that meeting,” McCarthy stated.
Mychael Schnell contributed.