Mitch McConnell was escorted away from cameras after experiencing a momentary freeze during a news conference.

 

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was escorted away from a lectern by Republican colleagues during a Wednesday press conference after taking an unusually long pause.

The GOP leader was giving an opening statement during a press conference when he abruptly stopped speaking and stood silently for several seconds.

McConnell, 81, appeared to be unable to start talking again as other senators helped him move away from the lectern.

This episode comes after he was hospitalized in March for a concussion he suffered from a fall at a hotel in Washington.

This incident occurs at a moment when the age of U.S. leaders has come into sharper focus, with President Joe Biden's reelection and Sen. Dianne Feinstein's temporary leave of absence until May from Congress. In Congress, the average age of House members is approximately 58 years old, and the average age of senators is around 65 years old, as reported by the Pew Research Center.

According to Census data, the average age of an American is around 39.

After returning to the lectern, McConnell was questioned by a reporter about the incident and whether it was connected to his previous injury. "No, I'm fine," he replied.

When asked if he can still perform his duties, the senator, who was first elected in 1984, confirmed that he is indeed able to do so.

According to a McConnell aide, who requested anonymity to speak candidly, the Kentucky Republican "felt light-headed and stepped away for a moment" during the press conference. However, upon his return, McConnell was described as being "sharp" by the aide.

After his brief absence, McConnell answered four questions without incident. The topics covered during the Q&A included Hunter Biden's plea deal, the possibility of the House impeaching President Biden, Alabama redrawing its congressional maps, and the Senate appropriations bill.

When questioned about whether he has someone in mind to succeed him as the leader of the GOP conference in the future, McConnell responded with a smile and a laugh before walking away without providing an answer.