President Joe Biden stumbled and fell on Thursday after handing over his last diploma at a graduation ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.
The 80-year-old president faltered just before he fell, then got up on one knee with the help of three people, then returned to his seat unaided.
After helping him stand, Biden pointed behind him to what appeared to have stumbled on his footsteps, then mingled with officials with a smile on his face.
White House spokesman Ben LaBolt tweeted that Biden was fine. "There was a bag of sand on stage while the president was shaking hands."
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre later told reporters: "He's perfectly fine."
President Biden is the oldest person to hold the presidency and will run for re-election in 2024, while his main Republican opponent, Donald Trump, turns 77 this month.
In February, doctors said Biden was healthy and fit for office, drinking alcohol, smoking and exercising at least five times a week.
🚨 BREAKING: Joe Biden falls at the Air Force Graduation
pic.twitter.com/5r2HQwjAdN
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 1, 2023
Joe Biden goes on an angry diversity rant before falling flat on his face on stage at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony. pic.twitter.com/aYGj2Tk3yt
— Red Voice Media (@redvoicenews) June 1, 2023