Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell was hospitalized Wednesday night after falling and suffering a concussion at a Washington, D.C., hotel.

David Popp, communications director for McConnell, said in a statement released Thursday afternoon: “Leader McConnell tripped at a dinner event Wednesday evening and has been admitted to the hospital and is being treated for a concussion. He is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days of observation and treatment. The Leader is grateful to the medical professionals for their care and to his colleagues for their warm wishes.”

The fall happened at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, DC, where McConnell was appearing at a reception and private dinner for the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC he launched to elect Republicans to the Senate. McConell previously fell at his Kentucky home in 2019, fracturing his shoulder.

The 81-year-old McConnell, who has served as the Republican senate leader since 2007, is among the oldest politicians in the Senate. McConnell also became the longest-serving Senate leader in January, surpassing Mike Mansfield, D-Mt., who served as Senate majority leader for 16 years.At 38 years of service in the chamber, he is the 13th longest-serving senator in history.

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