US President Falls (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Joe Biden, 80, tripped and fell on Thursday while delivering a speech and presenting diplomas to Air Force Academy graduates.
Video footage of the incident circulated on social media, showing the US president stumbling and falling to his knees before being helped up by Air Force officials and Secret Service agents. Biden quickly regained his composure and returned to his seat.
The stumble, caught on camera during the commencement ceremony, raises concerns about the physical condition of the nation's oldest president, who is seeking a second term that would extend into his 86th year. Acknowledging the effects of age on Biden's gait, his White House doctor has noted a significant stiffening and slower, less steady walk.
This is not the first time Biden has experienced such a stumble. In February, he tripped while boarding Air Force One, catching himself with his hands upon his return from Warsaw.
Republicans have seized upon these incidents to question Biden's fitness for office. Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, a presidential candidate criticized the US president and his policies.
"We hope and wish Joe Biden a swift recovery from any injuries he may have sustained, but we also wish the United States of America a swift recovery from the injuries it has sustained because of Joe Biden and his policies," DeSantis stated during remarks in New Hampshire on Thursday.