The United States President, Joe Biden, fell on a stage at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado on Thursday.
Biden, who delivered the commencement address and proceeded to shake hands with graduates, fell near the podium and was quickly assisted by those around him in returning to his feet.
ABC News reported that the 80-year-old president walked away unassisted once he was helped to stand upright. He continued to stand and greet people for the remainder of the ceremony.
According to pool reporters traveling with the president, Biden appeared to have tripped on a black sandbag, and pointed back at it after he got up.
“He’s fine. There was a sandbag on stage while he was shaking hands,” Ben LaBolt, the White House communications director, tweeted as videos of the incident circulated online.
Biden didn’t take questions as he boarded Air Force One following the hourslong commencement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said Biden is “totally fine” while she boarded Air Force One, according to the reporters traveling with Biden.
Biden’s age and fitness have been a factor in his reelection campaign. At 80, he is the oldest sitting president in history and would be 86 at the end of second term should he win again in 2024.
