Washington: US Senator Ted Kennedy, who had a brain tumor removed last year, collapsed at a luncheon in honour for President Obama.
And he was not the only one. Senator Robert Byrd too collapsed. Both had to be rushed away from the inauguration luncheon.
A Capitol police officer stood up at the luncheon and said both the Senators needed immediate medical attention.
Obama said his prayers were with Kennedy - who is the brother of former US president John F Kennedy - and his family.
Kennedy, 76, suffered a seizure towards the end of the lunch, which occurred just after Obama was sworn in as President, US media reported citing sources inside Capitol Hill.
During a talk with members of Congress, Obama called attention to Kennedy, saying: "I know that while I was out of the room, concern was expressed about Teddy."
Obama said that Kennedy "was there when the Voting Rights Act was passed. He, along with John Lewis, was a warrior for justice."
"And so I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now a part of me is with him," Obama added. "And I think that's true for all of us. This is a joyous time. But it's also a sobering time. And my prayers are with him and his family and (Kennedy's wife) Vicki."
Senator Kennedy had to be wheeled out of the Capitol on a stretcher.
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