Biden falls at US Air Force Academy graduation ceremony
Written by ABC AUDIO on June 2, 2023
(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.) — President Joe Biden took a fall on stage at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado on Thursday.
Biden, who delivered the commencement address and proceeded to shake hands with graduates, fell near the podium and was quickly assisted by those around him in returning to his feet.
Biden, 80, walked away unassisted once he was upright. He continued to stand and greet people for the remainder of the ceremony.
Biden appeared to trip on a black sandbag, according to pool reporters traveling with the president, and pointed back at it after he got up.
“He’s fine. There was a sandbag on stage while he was shaking hands,” Ben LaBolt, the White House communications director, tweeted as videos of the incident circulated online.
Biden didn’t take questions as he boarded Air Force One following the hourslong commencement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said Biden is “totally fine” while she boarded Air Force One, according to the reporters traveling with Biden.
Biden’s age and fitness have been a factor in his reelection campaign. At 80, he is the oldest sitting president in history and would be 86 at the end of second term should he win again in 2024.
Asked about his age after he announced he was running again, Biden said it will be up to voters to judge “whether or not I have it or don’t have it.”
“I respect them taking a hard look at it — I’d take a hard look at it, as well. I took a hard look at it before I decided to run, and I feel good. I feel excited about the prospects,” he told ABC’s Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce in April.
Former President Donald Trump, who would also be in his 80s if elected, responded to the fall while campaigning in Iowa.
“I hope he’s not hurt. The whole thing is crazy … even if you have to tip-toe down the ramp,” he said, poking fun at his own experience at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 2020 when his cautious descent down a ramp opened him up to similar criticism about his age.
“At the Air Force Academy? That’s not inspiring,” Trump added.
When speaking to graduates, Biden celebrated their work so far as he laid out the challenges that lie ahead.
“We have the finest military in the history of the world,” he said. “And you’ve earned it. This day is the day to celebrate. And as your commander in chief, I’m honored to be here as you take on the duties of serving and defending our nation.”
“In the years to come, you’ll have even more asked of you,” he continued. “You’ll take on greater responsibilities, and you’ll be challenged even beyond everything you’ve yet experienced.”
ABC News’ Libby Cathey contributed to this report.
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