Mitch McConnell says he's 'fine' after freezing at press conference, being briefly escorted away

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says he is "fine" after he silently paused mid-sentence for more than 20 seconds on Wednesday at the start of a Senate Republican leadership press conference before he had to be escorted away by his colleagues.

McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, blankly stared forward for more than 20 seconds until his fellow GOP senators asked him if he was okay, video shows. He was then escorted away from the lectern by Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso, a physician.

South Dakota Republican Sen. John Thune continued the press conference. 

He returned at the end of the press conference to answer questions. When a reporter asked about the episode, he said, "I'm fine" and did not elaborate further.

It is unclear why McConnell paused.

McConnell has suffered from recent health issues.

McConnell received a concussion after a serious fall earlier this year. He participated in inpatient physical therapy before returning to Capitol Hill for work.

Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.