The Inauguration celebration hit a sour note today when Sen. Ted Kennedy collapsed during the post-swearing-in luncheon. Then things got even worse when Sen. Robert Byrd also had to be helped out.

Kennedy, who has been battling brain cancer, reportedly suffered convulsions as the event began, prompting security and medics to help him from the hall. Obama accompanied him out, but has since returned and offered his thoughts on Kennedy. ABC’s George Stephanopoulos passes on those very words: 

First of all, I know that while I was out of the room, concern was expressed about Teddy. He was there when the Voting Rights Act passed. And, 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. And I think that is 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 Vicki.

And ours, too!

As for Byrd, there’s little word on what happened to the senator, who’s been in ailing health as of late, but he was also removed from the event.

We’ll keep you updated as the story develops.

Update: Senator Chris Dodd, who walked to the ambulance with the stretcher-bound Kennedy, told reporters that the Senator "will be fine." Byrd’s staff, meawhile, says that the Senator was having trouble eating, but has not been taken to the hospital and is apparently well again.