Mitch McConnell’s Troubling Moment Caught on Camera

Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images Mitch McConnell seemed lethargic as he was transported to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, slowly holding up a “peace” sign toward a reporter whose questions he did not answer.

In his second week back at work following a 92-day absence, the wheelchair-bound senator was rolled out of his Washington, D.C. home and into a waiting vehicle ahead of a roll call vote, video from reporter Desiree Townsend shows.

Senator McConnell was just wheeled out a little after 4 p.m. to head to his office ahead of the 5:30 p.m. roll call vote.

He appeared somewhat confused by the rain and showed a delayed response, but still gave no verbal acknowledgment. pic.twitter.com/00FKRpDWE3 — Desirée Townsend (@DesireeReports) September 22, 2026 The 84-year-old remained mute in response to Townsend’s questions about his weekend, but waved at her as they rolled him into the vehicle.

Longtime Chief of Staff Terry Carmack , who is set to make $226,000 this year, held an umbrella over his boss, then hopped in himself.

“Terry, is it safe bringing him back to the Senate like this?” Townsend called out.

Carmack ignored her.

“Senator McConnell, do you want to go to work?” Townsend then asked.

“Do you want to be at work, sir? Would you rather be home? You’d rather be home?” Instead of speaking, McConnell slowly turned his head toward Townsend and raised his right hand in a “peace” sign.

It was the same gesture he made several times last week in response to questions.

His grin also matched the expression he had last Monday while sitting in the vehicle before heading to the Capitol.

The vehicle’s sliding door then closed as McConnell appeared frozen.

McConnell’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The retiring senator, who attributed his prolonged absence to a fall in mid-June followed by pneumonia, raised additional concerns last Wednesday about his ability to serve out his remaining months in office.