Senator Mitch McConnell Experiences Mishap While Disembarking Plane, But Expected to Make Full Recovery

On July 14th, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) experienced a mishap while disembarking from a plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. According to two sources familiar with the incident, the 81-year-old lawmaker tripped and fell in what has been described as a “face plant” by a passenger who did not witness it but spoke to someone who did.

McConnell was not seriously hurt in the fall, and was seen later that day at the Capitol. It is unclear what caused the fall, but a passenger who was on the plane at the time but did not witness the fall told NBC News that they spoke to another passenger who helped tend to McConnell.

The incident has not been previously reported, but McConnell’s stumble was noticed by some when he froze up in mid-speech during a news conference earlier this month. McConnell has served in the Senate since 1985 and is currently the longest-serving Republican senator in history.

McConnell’s office has not commented on the incident, but his spokesperson said he is “doing well.” The senator is expected to make a full recovery and continue to serve in the Senate.