New Video Shows Mitch McConnell’s Health Scare

Recent footage reveals former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell experiencing what appeared to be a cardiac event at his home in Washington, D.C. last month, leading to his transport in an ambulance.

This video, recorded by a neighbor, was shared by a media outlet. It captures D.C. Fire and EMS personnel assisting an 84-year-old man on a stretcher on June 14. Interestingly, McConnell’s face isn’t visible, and he is under an orange blanket, which gives the impression that his bare feet are exposed. Neighbors reported that McConnell wasn’t wearing an oxygen mask during his transfer to the hospital.

One resident mentioned, “Oh yeah, it’s Mitch, I saw his face,” highlighting the recognition among those present at the scene.

Audio from an earlier emergency call indicated that McConnell was found “unconscious” at home, prompting responders to perform CPR. The neighbor who recorded the video also noted that the emergency workers did not appear rushed or overly concerned. “Perhaps in a time-sensitive situation there seems to be a little more urgency, but there was no urgency here,” they commented.

Speculation about McConnell’s health has been widespread since his hospitalization, with some extreme claims suggesting he was “brain dead” following the incident. However, McConnell’s office and Senate Republican leaders asserted that he is on the mend and maintaining contact with colleagues about current matters.

Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) stated earlier this week that he had a constructive phone conversation with McConnell, focusing on various topics, including national security. Similarly, Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wy.) noted that a recent call lasted around 20 minutes, indicating McConnell was engaged and looking forward to returning to the Senate.

Scott Jennings, a former advisor and political commentator, mentioned that McConnell had reached out to him and seemed optimistic about his situation.

As the longest-serving leader in Senate history, McConnell held the chairmanship of the Republican Conference for 18 years before stepping down in January 2025. His last public appearance was on June 4.

The senator has faced health challenges, including public freezes and falls, notably a fall in early 2023 that resulted in a concussion and fractured ribs. In February 2025, he announced he wouldn’t seek re-election in the upcoming November elections.

Earlier this year, Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) won the Republican primary to potentially succeed McConnell in a state that supported President Trump by a significant margin in the last election.

Age-wise, McConnell stands as the third oldest current senator, following 92-year-old Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and 84-year-old Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).