Paramedics conducted CPR on a person experiencing a “cardiac arrest” at a known address for Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on the day his office disclosed he had been hospitalized, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News.
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According to the audio, the first medic on the scene began performing CPR, according to the dispatchers, and was then joined by an additional EMS team at the same address.
McConnell’s office, which has not disclosed why he was hospitalized, referred NBC News to a June 22 statement when it was asked about the audio Wednesday.
“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,” said the statement, from spokesman David Popp.
On Thursday, a spokesperson said McConnell remains hospitalized.
“Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
Punchbowl News previously reported on the response by paramedics.
McConnell’s office said in a short statement June 14: “Senator McConnell was admitted to the hospital this morning. He is receiving excellent care.” He has not been seen since he was hospitalized.
McConnell, 84, has faced a slew of health issues in recent years. He was hospitalized for more than a week this year with “flu-like symptoms,” and three years ago he tripped at a Washington dinner, after which he was hospitalized with a concussion.
In 2019, he fractured a shoulder when he fell at home.
McConnell raised eyebrows when he froze on camera multiple times in 2023, seemingly unable to answer reporters’ questions immediately.
McConnell, who was first elected in 1984, was the Senate Republican leader from 2007 to 2025, making him the chamber’s longest-serving party leader. He announced last year that he would not seek re-election.
