Attorney General Mukasey Collapses During Speech

Attorney General Michael Mukasey is under hospital observation after collapsing during a speech last night.

Politico reports that Mukasey, 67, had been speaking to the Federalist Society at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel in Washington D.C. when he collapsed. "Audience members said they began praying, fearing a stroke."

The AP says Mukasey was "noticeably shaking" during his speech and had been slurring his words. An FBI official said Mukasey "got stuck on a word during his speech to the conservative legal group, repeated it several times and then 'went down hard.'" Fox 5 has video.

Mukasey's security detail called 911 and a doctor in the audience tended to him until medics arrived. He was reportedly "conscious and alert" when he was taken to the hospital. And White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said, "The president has him in his thoughts and will be kept apprised and hopes that he will be back up and at 'em again soon."

Mukasey, who was born in the Bronx, was selected to replace outgoing AG Alberto Gonzalez last year. Some people have opposed his appointment, because he did not declare waterboarding illegal. More recently, he and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly have been tangling over surveillance warrants.

Update: A Department of Justice spokesperson said Mukasey was given a CAT scan and MRI and both came back with normal findings, "All of the tests have been reassuring. There is no indication that he suffered a stroke or any heart-related incident," and added he "looks good. He's very alert. The doctors are describing him as very fit."