Mitch McConnell hospitalized for concussion following fall

March 9 (UPI) -- Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell was hospitalized Wednesday night after falling and suffering a concussion at a Washington, D.C., hotel, his spokesman said Thursday.

"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," his office said, according to The Hill.

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.

At 81 years old, McConnell is among the oldest politicians in the Senate, and at 38 years of service in the chamber, he is the 13th longest-serving senator in history. Of sitting senators, only Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has served longer at 42 years.

McConnell, who has served as the Republican senate leader since 2007, also became the longest-serving Senate leader in January, surpassing Mike Mansfield, D-Mt., who served as Senate majority leader for 16 years.

The Kentucky senator suffered a fall in August of 2019, which resulted in a fractured shoulder.