McConnell says he’s ‘fine’ after freezing during news conference

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters that he’s “fine,” after freezing during a news conference on Wednesday.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell talks to reporters following the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon in the U.S. Capitol on February 14 in Washington, DC. Mandatory Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Originally Published: 26 JUL 23 14:39 ET

Updated: 26 JUL 23 15:05 ET

By Manu Raju and Morgan Rimmer, CNN

(CNN) — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters that he’s “fine,” after freezing during a news conference on Wednesday.

CNN Video

McConnell freezes in press conference and is unable to finish statement

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) appeared unable to speak halfway through a press conference. He was led away from the press conference and towards his office by fellow GOP Sen. John Barrasso. A short time later, McConnell returned and told CNN's Manu Raju that he was "fine." Source: CNN

McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, stopped speaking in the middle of remarks at his regularly scheduled weekly news conference on Capitol Hill. After a 30-second pause, his colleagues crowded around to see if he was OK and asked him how he felt. GOP Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming was seen gripping McConnell’s arm and whispered to him, “Hey Mitch, anything else you want to say? Or should we just go back to your office? Do you want to say anything else to the press?”

He said nothing, and was led away from the press conference and towards his office by an aide. He returned to the news conference a few minutes later.

McConnell, asked by CNN what happened and if it is related to his fall earlier this year, said “No, I’m fine,” and then moved on to other reporters.

A McConnell aide said that the senator “felt light headed and stepped away for a moment.”

“He came back to handle Q and A, which as everyone observed was sharp,” the aide said.

McConnell, 81, has faced questions over his health after suffering a concussion and broken ribs from a fall he endured earlier this year. He was hospitalized and forced to go to rehab for several weeks before returning to the Senate in the spring.

This story has been updated with additional developments.