Mitch McConnell still hospitalized over 2 weeks after 911 call
Sen. McConnell remains hospitalized, 'continues to improve'
Hellbender Newsroom's Olivia Krauth joins LiveNOW's Alexandra Goldberg to discuss Sen. Mitch McConnell's health status as he remains hospitalized.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, the longest serving Senate leader in history before he stepped down in 2025, remains hospitalized more than two weeks after medics responded to reports of an "unconscious" person at his home in Washington, D.C.
It’s not the first time the 84-year-old Kentucky Republican has had a health scare in recent years, but observers say it is the first time McConnell’s staff has stayed so tight-lipped about his condition and why he’s been hospitalized.
What happened to Mitch McConnell?
What we know:
According to the 911 call obtained by WLKY, a dispatcher reported a "cardiac arrest" at McConnell’s Washington, D.C. address around 8:30 a.m. June 14. The dispatcher called for a Medic 3, or a "highly trained advanced life support unit" with paramedics trained on advanced medical interventions.
The dispatcher also said the person was "unconscious," while a medic confirmed that CPR was in progress.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., arrives for the Senate Republicans' lunch meeting in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
A few hours later, McConnell’s office announced that he was in the hospital "receiving excellent care."
RELATED: Sen. Mitch McConnell taken to the hospital
What we don't know:
Two-and-a-half weeks later, McConnell’s office still hasn’t said what happened or why McConnell remains in the hospital.
What they're saying:
McConnell’s office released the following statement about his condition Thursday:
"Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he's receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital. The Senator continues to improve and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session."
Will McConnell return to the Senate?
What's next:
It’s unclear whether McConnell will return to the Senate when it’s back in session Monday, July 13.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told WLKY that he has spoken with McConnell, who is "clearly dialed into what's going on."
He said McConnell "wants to be back, but I’ll defer to his staff on when."
FOX Local reached out to McConnell’s office for comment on his condition, why he remains hospitalized, and whether he’ll be back in the Senate chambers anytime soon. His office didn't answer the questions, but did say "we will be sure to keep you updated."
McConnell’s health scares
The backstory:
McConnell’s health has been a subject of scrutiny for years.
RELATED: Video shows McConnell appear to freeze again while talking to reporters
He fell and sprained his wrist while walking out of a GOP luncheon in December 2024. He was hospitalized with a concussion in March 2023 and missed several weeks of work after falling in a Washington hotel. After he returned, he twice froze up during news conferences that summer, staring vacantly ahead before colleagues and staff came to his assistance.
Video shows McConnell freeze again during press gaggle
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell got confused again while speaking with reporters in Kentucky. It's the second time in a month he's become unresponsive and had to be helped.
RELATED: McConnell slams polio vaccine critics in apparent warning to RFK Jr.
McConnell had polio in his early childhood and he has long acknowledged some difficulty as an adult in walking and climbing stairs. In addition to his 2023 fall, he also tripped and fell in 2019 at his home in Kentucky. He had surgery for a fractured shoulder.
The Source: This report includes information from WLKY and The Associated Press, comments from Sen. Mitch McConnell’s staff, and information and comments from Hellbender reporter Olivia Krauth.