McConnell Says June 14 Fall Caused Hospitalization

Sen. Mitch McConnell said Sunday that a fall on June 14 caused his hospitalization and left him briefly unconscious. McConnell, 84, stated he has undergone multiple tests to determine what triggered the fall. He added that he developed pneumonia during his hospital stay and received antibiotics.

McConnell said he is now in a rehabilitation center and will not return to the Senate floor to vote “quite yet.” He said he continues to work with staff on Senate business. Doctors confirmed he suffered no broken bones, concussion, heart attack, stroke, tumors or hemorrhages, according to a statement from his office.

McConnell explained the weeks of limited public updates by noting that people of his generation often hesitate to share vulnerabilities that come with age.

““Even in the public eye, I feel that same instinct — I can’t help it.””

His office released a photo of McConnell smiling with his wife Elaine Chao from the rehabilitation facility. McConnell’s office had previously stated only that he was receiving excellent care. Speculation about his condition grew as the hospital stay lengthened.