Senator Robert Byrd is Removed from Barack Obama's Inaugural Luncheon

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., the oldest member of the Senate, was so upset and distraught from what he had witnessed, that he needed to be taken out of the room.

The two senators have been friends for a very, very long time. Byrd's office later released a statement saying he is not ill.

On January 20, 2009, Senator Ted Kennedy suffered a seizure during Barack Obama's inaugural luncheon and was taken away in an ambulance. Byrd, seated at the same table, grew emotional over his colleague's continuing seizures and was himself removed to his office. Byrd's office reported that he was fine.

Senators Ted Kennedy and Robert Byrd were separately taken out of the Statuary Hall Congressional luncheon a few minutes before Barack Obama addressed the group.

Sen. Byrd of West Virginia, who is one of the oldest members of Congress, was removed in his wheelchair with the aide of medical personnel after having trouble eating.