Ald. Carrie Austin Has Chest Pains, City Council Meeting Paused

CHICAGO — Indicted Ald. Carrie Austin suffered chest pains during the City Council meeting today.

"We have a medical emergency," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said before the chambers were cleared.

The 72-year-old ward boss who faces federal bribery charges left the meeting to be evaluated by paramedics, Ald. Anthony Beale said. "She's fine," Beale said.

After a short recess, the City Council meeting resumed with Ald. Emma Mitts' motion to pause for prayer.

"At times like these, we take life for granted. We don’t know when and where anything can happen to any one of us. So right now Lord, we’re asking for your blessings for our colleague, Ald. Austin," Mitts said.

Austin (34th) has had health scares over the last several years, including a "torn aorta" that resulted in a 29-day hospital stay in 2015. She also tested positive for coronavirus last year.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.