Sen. Mitch McConnell trips and falls while confronting protesters
Sen. Mitch McConnell trips and falls when confronted by a protester who asks him a question about ICE.
Audio from an emergency medical services dispatch call suggests that Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was reported unconscious at his Washington, D.C., mansion last month, prompting advanced life support.
The audio shared with X by journalist Desiree Townsend was reportedly obtained from DC Fire and EMS.
Here’s what you need to know about the recording and McConnell’s health.
Advanced life support response
Townsend, an independent journalist who covers the Capitol, posted audio of the EMS dispatch call to her X account on June 30th.
In the midst of this, a dispatcher can be heard requesting “ALS” (Advanced Life Support) for an unconscious person.
DC Fire and EMS did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request to confirm the authenticity of the dispatch audio.
McConnell’s June 14 health scare
The former Senate Majority Leader, now 84, was hospitalized on June 14, USA TODAY first reported.
“Senator McConnell was admitted to the hospital this morning,” his spokesman David Popp told reporters at the time. “He is receiving excellent treatment.”
The congressman’s office has not yet confirmed why he required treatment. His office did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment about the audio.
The Kentucky Republican is considered one of the most influential and influential American politicians in modern history. He first entered the U.S. Senate in 1984 and served as Senate Republican leader from 2007 to 2024, when he was succeeded by Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota).
McConnell announced in February last year that he would step down from office at the end of his term in 2027.
McConnell’s recent health issues
McConnell has been plagued by health issues in public in recent years.
The senator froze up while speaking to reporters during two incidents in 2023, fell multiple times, and sometimes used a wheelchair as a precaution.
A spokesperson at the time said he was also hospitalized in February with flu-like symptoms. He was discharged from the hospital eight days later.
Contributors: Melina Khan, Jay Stahl / USA TODAY
Drew Pittock covers trending news from around the country for USA TODAY. He can be reached at DPittock@usatodayco.com.
