America's new commander-in-chief is facing his first unexpected concern just hours after taking office, though not one of a political nature.
The victory glow following President Barack Obama's inauguration was interrupted when Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy abruptly collapsed at a post-ceremony luncheon, apparently suffering a seizure. Obama was reportedly among the first who went to Kennedy's aid, and paramedics were called to the luncheon just after 2:30 on Tuesday.
A reporter had only a short while before the incident asked Kennedy's son how the senator was feeling since he'd been diagnosed with a brain tumor last year. The son, Patrick Kennedy, replied that his father was doing well. Obama addressed the luncheon crowd of elected officials colleague who were there to congratulate him, urging prayer for "Teddy."
"I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now a part of me is with him," he told the crowd after Kennedy was taken to a Washington hospital. Kennedy, who is a brother of former president John F. Kennedy, supported Obama's electoral campaign.
Kennedy's tumor was removed in a surgical operation. He attended Obama's swearing-in ceremony.