Paramedics responded to a report of cardiac arrest at Senator Mitch McConnell's Kentucky residence on the same day his office announced he had been hospitalized, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News.
The emergency call indicated an unconscious person at a known address for the 84-year-old Republican leader. McConnell's office declined to address the paramedic response directly when contacted about the audio, instead directing inquiries to a statement released June 22.
"Senator McConnell is still working closely with staff on Senate business and Kentucky matters as he continues his recovery. However, he will not be voting this week," spokesman David Popp said in that statement. The office has not clarified whether McConnell remains hospitalized or disclosed the specific reason for his admission.
McConnell's initial hospitalization announcement came June 14, with his office stating only that he was admitted and receiving "excellent care." He has not been seen publicly since.
The incident adds to a growing pattern of health concerns for the longtime senator. Earlier this year, he was hospitalized for more than a week with flu-like symptoms. In 2022, he suffered a concussion after tripping at a Washington dinner. Three years prior, he fractured a shoulder in a fall at his home.
McConnell also drew scrutiny in 2023 when he froze on camera multiple times, appearing unable to respond immediately to reporters' questions. These episodes raised questions among colleagues and observers about his fitness for duty.
The senator, first elected to the Senate in 1984, led Senate Republicans for 18 years, holding the post longer than any other party leader in that chamber's history. He stepped down from the Republican leadership earlier this year after announcing he would not seek re-election.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "McConnell's office has gone to great lengths to keep the details under wraps, but paramedic audio doesn't lie."
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