Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
October 20 , 2026
NASHVILLE — Tennessee state media published photos of senator Mitch McConnell on Monday after viral rumors of his death stormed social media over the weekend.
The newly released images show McConnell at a clothing and shoe expo. He appeared well and fit, seemingly disputing unverified claims that he had fallen into a coma and died of a brain hemorrhage. According to these rumors, he had been taken to a hospital in Nashville.
None of the claims, spread by Tomi Lahren on X, have been confirmed.
At first, Lahren claimed McConnell died and that Kentucky dispatched 9,000 national guard troops to Nashville, over fears of a succession crisis. Then she alleged that the senator's body was secretly transported to Arlington.
In her latest post, Lahren said the rumors of McConnell’s death are “likely true” because he hadn’t made a public appearance before the photos were released.
It is unclear whether the photos of McConnell are authentic or when they were taken.
The rumors raised questions about whether McConnell’s sister would succeed him.
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