Joe Biden ‘freezes’ during Juneteenth event sparking concern

Concerns swirled around President Joe Biden as he appeared to freeze for nearly a minute while others danced around him at a Juneteenth event.

Biden, 81, stood stiffly with his arms at his side and his mouth slightly open and staring blankly ahead as Vice President Kamala Harris danced and clapped to his right to gospel singer Kirk Franklin’s performance.

It was not until Philonise Floyd – the brother of the George Floyd whose death spurred Black Lives Matters protests – noticed Biden and put his arm around him that he snapped out of his motionless stance.

Biden smiled as Floyd said something into his ear and put his arm around his shoulder. The president proceeded to give Floyd a light fist pump.

President Joe Biden (third from right) seemed to freeze during a musical performance at a Juneteenth event on Monday night (Picture: AP)

The strange episode on Monday night at the White House sparked concerns – and criticism – around the president on social media.

‘Seeing President Biden freeze and slur his words during the Juneteenth celebration is concerning,’ wrote an X (formerly Twitter) user. ‘We need strong leadership more than ever.’

Meanwhile, some Republicans used it as the latest example of why they believe Biden is not fit to serve another term.

‘Lights are on but no one’s home,’ wrote the Trump campaign on X (formerly Twitter).

Actor Billy Porter, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden and Philonise Floyd, brother of George Floyd (left to right), attended a Juneteenth concert on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday (Picture: Getty Images)

The Republican National Committee’s rapid response account wrote: ‘Why isn’t Biden moving?’

It wasn’t the only mishap Biden suffered during the event marking the anniversary of Juneteenth, a federal holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the US. Biden slurred his words during remarks after the music.

‘She knows loss… she know,’ Biden said, before continuing with some incoherent words. ‘Our freedom can never be secured.’

The president also told the crowd that ‘black history is American history’, and, ‘The day reminds us that we have a helluva lot more work to do. Let’s keep marching. Let’s keep the faith.’

President Joe Biden delivered remarks during a concert marking Juneteenth on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC (Picture: Getty Images)

Biden is not the only elderly political figure who has appeared to freeze recently.

Then-Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell froze while speaking at a press conference in July 2023, and suffered a similar episode the following month. The 82-year-old Republican leader in February announced he would step down from his position at the end of his term in November.

Biden’s health continues to be a highly discussed matter heading into the 2024 presidential election.

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