Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) appeared to have difficulty speaking during a press conference in Kentucky on Wednesday, and froze up for about 30 seconds when he was asked if he would run for reelection, the second such incident this summer.
After the long pause, the Kentucky senator became responsive and briefly answered two additional questions after aides stepped in to repeat questions from reporters and then led him away.
DESANTIS SHOWCASES ABILITY TO GOVERN WITH HURRICANE RESPONSE
BREAKING NEWS: Sen. Mitch McConnell appearing to have another scary episode in the media gaggle in Covington today. Aides had to step in to help him out and repeat questions. He was eventually lead away. We'll have the full video on @WLWT pic.twitter.com/q9ex5MHxLV
— Hannah Thomas (@HannahPThomas) August 30, 2023
The press gaggle came after McConnell gave a lengthy speech to the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Government Forum and took questions at the end without any issues.
The senator's office has not responded to requests for comment at press time.
In late July, the Minority Leader was escorted away from Senate Republicans' weekly press conference after appearing to have difficulty speaking. At the time, McConnell declined to take questions on his absence beyond telling reporters he felt "fine." An aide for the minority leader told the Washington Examiner he got "lightheaded."
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McConnell, 81, was hospitalized earlier this year after suffering a fall that required him to complete physical therapy. He experienced a concussion and minor rib fracture.