Senate Republican Mitch McConnell froze for the second time in just over a month (Picture: Reuters)
A US lawmaker inexplicably froze mid-sentence during a press conference – for the second time in recent weeks.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 81, seemed to freeze before reporters, in an incident very similar to an episode he had just had over a month ago.
McConnell spoke with a group in Covington, Kentucky, and answered questions from reporters. The awkward incident happened as a journalist asked him: ‘Senator you’re up for reelection in three short years, what are your thoughts on it?’
The Republican senator in his home state said, ‘I’m sorry I had a hard time hearing you.’
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Then the journalist repeated his question.
‘It’s OK, what are your thoughts on running for reelection in 2026?’ he said.
McConnell said, ‘Oh, that’s uh…’ and chuckled, before giving a blank stare and closing his mouth.
About seven seconds later, McConnell’s aide came to his side and asked, ‘Did you hear the question, senator? Running for reelection in 2026?’
After no reaction from McConnell, his aide said, ‘Alright I’m sorry y’all, we’re going to need a minute’, and winked.
Another aide went up to McConnell, who appeared to convey that he was fine to continue.
McConnell cleared his throat, said ‘OK…’ and took more questions, but in an unnatural fashion. He froze for more than 30 seconds in total.
A spokesman for the senator later said, ‘Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today’, according to the Washington Post.
An aide told the newspaper that McConnell will consult with a doctor before his next public event ‘as a prudential measure’.
It comes after McConnell in late July froze for about 15 seconds in the weekly Republican leadership briefing at the US Capitol.
‘I just heard, literally, coming out. And Mitch is a friend, as you know, not a joke,’ Biden said during remarks at the White House on the Hurricane Idalia response. “We have disagreements politically, but he’s a good friend.”
“So, I’m going to try to get in touch with him later this afternoon. I don’t know enough to know,” Biden added.
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Republican leader Mitch McConnell appeared to freeze for more than 30 seconds during a public appearance.