A federal judge presiding over a trial involving a polygamous community along the Arizona-Utah border fell ill on the bench Monday and was taken away from the courthouse in an ambulance.
Judge H. Russel Holland became ill as the defense presented its case. He was taken out of the courthouse on a gurney.
Holland, 79, is overseeing a civil trial in which the Justice Department alleges the governments and police in Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, operate as an arm of a polygamous sect.
The cities are accused of discriminating against nonbelievers by denying them housing, water services and police protection. The communities deny the allegations.
Blake Hamilton, an attorney for Hildale, said the trial had just resumed after a morning break and he had posed a question when the judge said he was feeling ill.
Hamilton said Holland lowered his head but did not collapse.
Colorado City's attorney said it's not yet known how the trial will proceed giving the judge's illness.
A hearing was scheduled later in the day to discuss the situation.