US attorney general collapses during speech
Friday, 21 Nov 2008 09:38
US attorney general recovering in hospital after collapsing during speech in Washington DC
The US attorney general is recovering in hospital after losing consciousness during a speech to an audience in Washington DC last night.
Michael Mukasey's office said the 67-year-old had regained consciousness after collapsing 15 minutes into his speech, on the Bush administration's war on terror.
Despite earlier refusing to comment on Mr Mukasey's health other than that he was alive, spokesman Peter Carr later said: "The attorney-general is conscious, conversant and alert."
Mr Mukasey was admitted to George Washington University hospital after collapsing during his address to the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy.
Audience members said the former federal judge began slurring his words and shaking before falling to the floor, drawing screams from the audience.
White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said George Bush was wishing Mr Mukasey a "speedy recovery".