Ellington

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton fainted at an inauguration ceremony for county officials Monday morning. Melton appeared to temporarily lose consciousness during the inauguration, which recognized officials elected during the November elections, including Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith.

Hinds County Emergency Management Director Larry Fisher helped Melton's bodyguard Michael Recio move Melton to the jury chambers. An AMR ambulance showed up a short time later but without Melton. The Clarion-Ledger reported that Melton drove himself home soon after.

Jackson Police Chief Malcolm McMillin told reporters Melton had overheated in the muggy courtroom. The mayor reported last year that he is taking blood pressure medication, including blood thinners.

Melton's attorney, Dale Danks, told The Clarion-Ledger on Tuesday that Melton would undergo surgery this week. Danks said Melton is scheduled to have a small battery-powered defibrillator implanted into his chest to prevent cardiac arrest.