() — President Joe Biden tripped over a punching bag and fell on Thursday as he completed the graduation ceremony at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado.
Biden appeared to be fine after the fall, walking unassisted to his seat in the stands. He was seen smiling and jogging towards his vehicle at the end of the ceremony.
After the fall, the White House said the president is doing well.
The mishap occurred as Biden was trotting away from center stage, where he had earlier delivered a speech honoring academy graduates.
As he moved, he tripped and fell to the ground. The president landed on his right hip before lifting up on his right hand.
A group of men, including an Air Force Academy official and two Secret Service agents, grabbed Biden’s arms to help him to his feet.
President Joe Biden tripped during an event this Thursday.
As he walked to his seat, Biden pointed to the ground where he stumbled, indicating that something had gotten in his way. Video at the time showed sandbags placed in front of the podium near where Biden had been standing.
The president returned to his seat in the stands without assistance and was in good spirits as the ceremony concluded.
“He’s fine. There was a bag of sand on the stage while he was waving.” White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt wrote on Twitter.
Biden is 80 years old, making him the oldest US president.
Biden had previously told US Air Force Academy graduates that they were entering a rapidly changing world, stressing the critical role of America’s support for its allies and partners and emphasizing assistance continues from Washington to Ukraine.
Biden said the cadets will have “a lot to deal with” as they enter service amid a changing world with “proliferating” global challenges, from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to strategic competition with China, as well as climate change. and artificial intelligence.
And he emphasized how America’s global partnerships are a “sign of strength” and praised the “incredible” people of Ukraine.
“The support of the American people for Ukraine will not cease. We always defend democracies, always,” Biden said to applause.
