Republican leader in the U.S. Senate, Mitch McConnell, paused unexpectedly for 21 seconds during a press conference, prompting concern. McConnell returned 12 minutes later, attributing the incident to dizziness. This follows his recent recovery from a concussion.
The event fuels ongoing concerns about the advanced age of U.S. politicians, as the average age in the Senate is 64, and a poll shows 61% of Americans worry that Congress members are too old to represent them effectively.
A former student opened fire at a middle school in Graz, Austria, killing 9 people and then himself. The attacker, a 21-year-old Austrian citizen, carried out the attack with two legally licensed weapons before committing suicide in the school bathroom.
Twelve others were injured. Officials confirmed the assailant had no prior criminal record and had not graduated from the school. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocke declared a three-day national mourning and called for a moment of silence at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. The school remains closed as investigations continue.
TR