An 81-year-old Republican representative tripped and fell while descending the marble stairs just outside the House chamber on Friday.
Rep. Virginia Foxx from North Carolina took a misstep on the staircase located between the Capitol’s second and third floors following the House of Representatives’ kickoff meeting for the year.
Eyewitnesses reported visible injuries caused by her fall, including bleeding.
“Lots of blood but officer tells me she’s okay as press is cleared from area. She is conscious/ talking,” stated ABC journalist John Parkinson on the scene.
Another incident witness, NewsNation correspondent Tom Dempsey, observed, “She is sitting on one of the steps now and holding paper towels against her face. Staff helping her out.”
Foxx appeared to be bleeding notably from her leg and nose, prompting her staffers to use tissues as a temporary aid to slow blood loss. Medical responders soon arrived at the location, providing immediate assistance.
Foxx’s office later released a statement updating the public on her condition. According to the update, “Rep. Foxx slipped while walking down the marble staircase outside the House chamber after walking up to talk to her family in the gallery.”
The statement added, “After being helped to her feet, and looked over by medical personnel, she proceeded on her own to the Attending Physician’s office to get treated for a few individual cuts. Everything seems to be okay.”
Foxx remained upbeat about her injury, humorously taking to X (formerly known as Twitter): “I’m a mountain woman, and we’re tougher than a $2 steak.” She added, “Thank you to everyone for your prayers – just a few small cuts and I’m doing just fine.”
Foxx has served as a representative for North Carolina’s fifth district since 2005. She held the position of House Republican Conference Secretary from 2013 to 2017, as well as roles as the chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor from 2017 to 2019 and again starting in 2023.
Her accident adds to an ongoing series of similar incidents involving elderly lawmakers.
Just a few weeks prior, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell endured a fall during a staff luncheon for the GOP, requiring medical treatment for a facial injury and sprained wrist.
This followed earlier instances where McConnell suffered a concussion from a separate fall, alongside moments of apparent public freezing incidents.
Similarly, 84-year-old Nancy Pelosi, former House Speaker, had experienced a hip injury during a trip to Luxembourg.
Pelosi, opting for practical footwear, returned to the House chamber using assistance from two aides, trading her signature stilettos for flats.
A smiling Pelosi greeting individuals despite noticeable discomfort and limping while traversing the chamber floor.
She drew supportive applause from her fellow Democratic representatives during her appearance.
Like all nursing homes shouldn’t the capital have nursing aids assisting these dinosaurs around the building?