Joe Biden Falls During US Air Force Graduation Ceremony

KEY POINTS

Joe Biden tripped and fell at his graduation ceremony at the Air Force Academy.
He was helped up and later gave a thumbs up sign.
The White House said that everything was fine with the President of the United States, and added that there was a sandbag on stage.

President Joe Biden stumbled and fell after receiving his final diploma at the graduation ceremony at the US Air Force Academy, but quickly got up and returned to his seat.

The 80-year-old US president fell forward, caught himself with his hands, then got down on one knee with the help of three people. He returned to his seat without assistance.

After being helped to his feet, Mr. Biden pointed back, as if to indicate something he had tripped over. After that, he mingled with the other officials, smiling and giving a thumbs up sign.

White House communications director Ben LaBolt said on Twitter that Biden is fine.

“When he shook hands, there was a sandbag on stage,” he explained.

The fall came after Mr. Biden’s opening speech to a flag-waving audience in which he warned graduates that they would be enlisting in an increasingly volatile world, citing challenges from Russia and China.

Joe Biden points to a sandbag on the ground as three members of his security team stand around him.

The White House said there was a sandbag on the ground during Biden’s handshake. Source: AAAP, AP / Andrew Harnick

Mr Biden, the oldest person to hold the Oval Office, . Polls show that Americans are concerned that someone over 75 could become president. His main Republican opponent, turns 77 this month.

Doctors declared Mr. Biden healthy and fit for service after a physical in February, noting that the president does not drink alcohol or smoke and plays sports “at least” five times a week.

Mr. Biden fell while dismounting from his bike in June last year, catching his foot on a toe clip, but was unharmed.