U.S. Rep. John Larson (D-CT) experienced a medical episode, freezing mid-speech after launching a tirade against Republicans and billionaire Elon Musk.
The 76-year-old congressman was delivering a five-minute speech sharply criticizing the Trump administration for what he claimed was an overreach involving access to sensitive Social Security data through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk.
Larson accused President Trump and Republican lawmakers of conspiring with the billionaire class to undermine accountability in both Congress and the courts.
“Now [Trump] is saying he’s not even accountable to the courts because he and the billionaire class have gotten together and said, ‘Don’t worry, no one on the Republican side in the House and Senate who control both the House and Senate is going to speak up,’” Larson said before abruptly freezing mid-sentence.
After several seconds of awkward silence, he faintly uttered, “and challenge us,” in a noticeably strained voice, followed by another prolonged pause.
By the time he regained his composure, his time had expired, and he yielded the floor.
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Following the episode, Larson’s office released a statement attempting to downplay the event, claiming it was an adverse reaction to a new medication and had sought consultation with the attending physician in Congress, Dr. Brian Monahan, as a precaution.
“Congressman Larson appreciates the well wishes from everyone who has reached out. This afternoon, he had what was likely an adverse reaction to a new medication and is having tests administered by the House Attending Physician out of an abundance of caution,” Larson’s office said in a statement, according to CT Mirror.
“He later participated in multiple meetings in his office and was alert and engaged. The Congressman remains in touch with his staff and in good spirits.”
In July 2023, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced a similar incident, freezing for about 20 seconds during a press conference at the Capitol.
McConnell was mid-sentence when suddenly he stopped speaking.
In August 2023, McConnell also froze for about 30 seconds while speaking with reporters after a speech in Covington, Kentucky.
An aide approached McConnell and asked if he heard the question as McConnell stood mute with his eyes wide open.
McConnell appeared to recover after a few seconds and the aide tried to continue the press conference. But it was soon clear McConnell was not well enough to continue.
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