WASHINGTON -- Attorney General Michael Mukasey collapsed while giving a speech on national security to a prominent conservative lawyers' organization.

Mr. Mukasey, 67 years old, appeared to slur his words about 20 minutes into his speech at the Federalist Society's annual dinner, held in the Wardman Park Hotel in Washington. Mr. Mukasey was defending the Bush administration's anti-terrorism policies in front of an audience of about 400.

Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, who provide security for the attorney general, rushed to his aid before he fell to the floor.

Mr. Mukasey appeared to be somewhat alert as he was carried on a stretcher by District of Columbia fire department medics. He was heard to say he thought he had fainted. A medic could be heard to tell the attorney general "just relax."

He was taken to George Washington University Medical Center and appeared to be alert and in good condition, according to the D.C. Fire Department.