President Joe Biden collapsed on stage at the US Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado on Thursday.
Biden, who gave the commencement address and proceeded to shake hands with graduates, fell near the podium as he walked away and was quickly helped to his feet by Secret Service agents and a law enforcement officer aerial
The 80-year-old president walked away unaided once he stood up. He continued to stand and greet people throughout the rest of the ceremony.
According to pool reporters traveling with him, he appeared to trip over a black sandbag used to balance his teleprompter, and pointed it out after standing up.
“It’s OK. There was a sandbag on stage while I was shaking hands,” White House communications director Ben LaBolt tweeted as videos of the incident circulated the Internet.
President Joe Biden receives help after collapsing during a graduation ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, north of Colorado Springs, Colo., on June 1, 2023.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
Biden did not take questions when he boarded Air Force One after the start of the few hours.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said Biden is “absolutely fine” as he boarded Air Force One, according to reporters traveling with Biden.
Later, back at the White House, Biden said, “I’m hooked!” as reporters shouted questions about how he was feeling.
He didn’t add anything beyond that, but did seem to try to show he was feeling good, doing some footwork for the press before entering.
President Joe Biden points to sandbags after collapsing on stage during the 2023 U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony June 1, 2023, at the Air Force Academy United States Airline in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Biden’s age and fitness have been a factor in his re-election campaign. He is the oldest sitting president in history and would be 86 at the end of his second term if he wins again in 2024.
A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll found that 62 to 33 percent of Americans said they thought Biden was not physically healthy enough to serve effectively.
Asked about his age after announcing he would run again, Biden said it will be up to voters to judge “whether or not I’ve got it or not.”
“I respect them they take a hard look, I would take a hard look at it too. I looked at it carefully before I decided to run and I feel good. I feel excited about the prospects,” he told the senior correspondent of the ABC’s Mary Bruce White House in April.
Former President Donald Trump, who would also be 80 if elected, responded that he was told of Biden’s fall while campaigning in Iowa.
“I hope he’s not hurt. It’s all crazy … even if you have to tiptoe down the ramp,” he said, poking fun at his own experience at the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2020 when it was prudent. the descent down a ramp opened him up to similar criticism about his age.
“At the Air Force Academy? That’s not inspiring,” Trump added.
President Joe Biden greets graduating cadets during a graduation ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy north of Colorado Springs, Colo., June 1.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
When he spoke to the graduates, Biden celebrated their work even as he laid out the challenges ahead.
“We have the best military in the history of the world,” he said. “And you’ve earned it. Today is the day to celebrate. And as commander in chief, I’m honored to be here as you assume the duties of serving and defending our nation.”
“In years to come, you will be asking for even more,” he continued. “You will take on more responsibilities and challenge yourself even beyond anything you have experienced.”
ABC News’ Libby Cathey and Gary Langer contributed to this report.
