By Allan Lengel
ticklethewire.com
WASHINGTON — Atty. Gen. Michael Mukasey collapsed Thursday night while delivering a speech to the Federalist Society in upper Northwest Washington, authorities said.
Mukasey, 67, regained consciousness and was taken to George Washington University Hospital where he was admitted overnight, the Justice Department said in a statement issued after midnight.
“The Attorney General is conscious, conversant and alert,” said Justice spokesman Peter Carr. “His vital statistics are strong and he is in good spirits. He is receiving excellent care and appreciates all of the good wishes and prayers he has received. The doctors will keep him overnight for further observations.”
Alan Etter, a spokesman for the D.C. fire department, told ticklethewire.com that medical emergency units responded at 10:09 p.m. “for an adult who fainted” in the ballroom at the Washington Wardman Park Marriott hotel in Northwest Washington.
Mukasey fainted near the end of his speech. First aide was administered by aides and a doctor who was on hand. The ride to the hospital takes less than 10 minutes.
Etter said some other people in the audience complained about feeling sickly. The fire department’s hazmat units responded, but found no “environmental hazard, no fumes”, he said.
The Politico reported last night that audience members said they began praying, fearing a stroke.
Mukasey replaced the controversial Atty. Gen. Alberto Gonzales, who had become a divisive figure in the Bush administration.
