Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), 81, experienced a fall on the marble staircase near the House chamber shortly after casting her vote to elect Rep. Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House. Capitol Police and medical personnel quickly arrived to assist the congresswoman, who appeared to suffer injuries during the incident but remained conscious and alert.
Witnesses described the fall as serious, with visible bleeding. PBS Newshour Correspondent Lisa Desjardins reported that Capitol Police were on the scene, and Foxx received immediate medical attention. John Parkinson of ABC News noted that the congresswoman was holding her nose and speaking as officers tended to her injuries. She was then guided to the Capitol physician’s office for further evaluation.
In a statement, Foxx’s office confirmed the incident, explaining that she had slipped while descending the marble stairs after speaking with family members in the gallery. Medical personnel examined her for cuts, and she was able to proceed under her own power for additional care. The statement concluded, “Everything seems to be okay.”
The incident highlights concerns about the safety of aging members of Congress, particularly after other senior lawmakers have experienced falls in recent months. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi both suffered serious falls recently, with Pelosi requiring hip surgery.
Rep. Foxx’s ability to recover quickly and continue her duties will likely reassure her constituents and colleagues as the new session of Congress begins. However, it also underscores the risks faced by older public officials in high-demand environments.
