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Newly released video shows former US Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell being loaded into an ambulance following an apparent cardiac arrest at his Capitol Hill home last month, adding fresh attention to concerns over the veteran lawmaker’s health.

The footage, obtained and published by CNN on Friday, captures Washington, DC Fire and EMS personnel wheeling the 84-year-old senator on a stretcher outside his residence on June 14.

McConnell’s face is not visible in the video. His lower legs appear to be covered with an orange blanket, while his bare feet can be seen extending beyond it. A neighbour who witnessed the scene told CNN that another resident had identified McConnell and claimed he was not wearing an oxygen mask while being transported to a nearby hospital.

“One of my neighbours is like, ‘Oh yeah, it’s Mitch, I saw his face,'” the resident told the outlet.

Dispatch audio revealed CPR was performed

Previously released emergency dispatch audio indicated that McConnell had been found unconscious at his home and that first responders performed CPR before taking him to hospital.

The neighbour who recorded the video said emergency crews did not appear to be rushing during the transport, describing the response as calm.

“In a situation where perhaps time is of the essence, there seems to be a little bit more urgency, but there was no urgency here,” the resident told CNN.

Health rumours followed hospitalisation

McConnell’s medical emergency sparked widespread speculation online, with some social media users claiming he had been left “brain dead” following the incident. However, no evidence has supported those claims.

His office and Senate Republican leaders have repeatedly said the Kentucky Republican is recovering and remains engaged in Senate business.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said earlier this week that he had spoken with McConnell by phone for a “lengthy and substantive” discussion covering national security and other issues.

Majority Whip John Barrasso also said he spoke with McConnell for about 20 minutes, describing him as “fully engaged” and eager to return to the Senate.

CNN senior political commentator Scott Jennings, a former McConnell adviser, also said he spoke with the veteran senator this week and that McConnell “sounded strong.”

Long political career marked by recent health setbacks

McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in US history, led Senate Republicans for 18 years before stepping down from leadership in January 2025.

In recent years, he has experienced several health issues, including public freezing episodes and multiple falls. One fall in 2023 left him with a concussion and a fractured rib.

Earlier this year, McConnell announced he would not seek re-election in 2026. He was also briefly hospitalised in February for flu-like symptoms and has frequently been seen using a wheelchair while moving around Capitol Hill.

At 84, McConnell remains one of the oldest serving members of the US Senate.

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