Just in from MSN:

BREAKING NEWS:Sen. Kennedy reportedly stricken at inaugural luncheon. Developing.

BREAKING NEWS
NBC News
updated 1 minute ago
Sens. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., and Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., were stricken Tuesday at an inauguration luncheon for President Barack Obama.

A Capitol police officer stood up at the luncheon and said medical attention was needed.

Kennedy collapsed and was wheeled out on a stretcher from the Capitol luncheon following the inauguration of the 44th president, NBC's Mike Viquiera said. Kennedy reportedly suffered convulsions.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a close friend of Kennedy’s, said the senator had a seizure that was “very upsetting” to onlookers.

Kennedy, 76, remained conscious and was able to say a few words, Hatch told MSNBC.

Prayers were spoken, and Obama went over to provide comfort, Hatch said, before Senate colleagues took Kennedy to the ambulance.

The Massachusetts Democrat was hospitalized in May after suffering a seizure. He was later diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

Obama acknowledged Kennedy during his luncheon remarks, saying that his prayers are with the senator and his family.

Byrd fell ill and was escorted out. The nature of his ailment was not immediately known. Byrd is the longest-serving senator in history.

Byrd, 91, was hospitalized March 5 for tests after a reaction to antibiotics. A week earlier he was hospitalized at Walter Reed Army Medical Center after a fall at home.
[Edited 1/20/09 12:25pm]

Stricken? Bullet? Thunderbolt? Flu?

Number23 said:

I am guessing heart problems?

A thunderbolt would have been more exciting.

Streaming on CNN..

Number23 said:

More exciting but totally wasted considering Bush and Cheney were present

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

A thunderbolt would just crack open their human shells and huge beetle-like things would emerge.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

bush should be half way to texas by now he left after the swearing in.

ehuffnsd said:

Amazing how far a boot in the arse will carry you.

Ummm... did you miss that he's got a brain tumour removed before? He had a seizure and obviously it's impossible to say why but it's pretty safe to say that it's related to that in some way.

Teacher said:

the type of tumor he had was not completely removable...I am sure that this seizure is related to it. He has the same cancer my dad died of...hearing he had as seizure is just rewatching the pattern of this devestating disease.

bluesbaby said:

I'm sorry to learn about your father Yes, medical experts on CNN said that too, that it might mean that it's metasthasised (sp) again. He's apparently on seizure medication and that it might something as simple as having forgotten to take it this morning, but it seems unlikely.

Kennedy's always stealing the spotlight.

mj's waiting.

Teacher said:

I imagine his meds work to a certain extent, but the seizures break through. I hate to sound pessimistic, but this is not a good sign. thanks about my dad. It was a long time ago, but some things you don't forget. I feel for Teddy and his family.

ehuffnsd said:

Did you hear the "boos" from the crowd?

MIGUELGOMEZ said:

I did, and I felt bad for his wife, and daughters.

PaisleyPark5083 said:

Yeah, it was a very uncomfortable moment.

Number23 said:

Hope the old dude is ok.

hope he recovers well!