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.
When the GOP leader returned to the lectern a reporter asked if he would address what happened and if it was related to his previous injury.“No, I’m fine,” McConnell said.
Asked if he’s able to able do his job, the senator, first elected in 1984, said yes.
McConnell’s office did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.
This story will be updated.
