Political leaders, colleagues mourn Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg’s death
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died at 87 years old. Her death was announced by the Supreme Court on Friday.
FILE – In this Nov. 30, 2018 file photo, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, nominated by President Bill Clinton, sits with fellow Supreme Court justices for a group portrait at the Supreme Court Building in Washington, Friday. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 9:40 AM PT – Saturday, September 19, 2020
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died at 87 years old. Her death was announced by the Supreme Court on Friday.
#NEW: SCOTUS issues statement on the death of Justice Ginsburg, who passed away at 87 due to complications of metastatic pancreas cancer.
Chief Justice Roberts:
“Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature.” pic.twitter.com/WpsHoTTYhB
— Jennifer Franco (@jennfranconews) September 18, 2020
She reportedly died due to complications from pancreatic cancer. She passed in her home surrounded by loved ones.
Ginsburg served for 27 years as a Supreme Court justice.
President Trump, who held a rally in Minnesota on Friday night, first received the news of Ginsburg’s passing after he stepped off stage.
“She was an amazing woman who led an amazing life,” he said. “I’m actually sad to hear that.”
President Trump on death of Justice Ginsburg: "She just died? Wow. I didn't know that…She led an amazing life. What else can you say? She was an amazing woman, whether you agree or not. She was an amazing woman who led an amazing life. I'm actually sad to hear that." pic.twitter.com/6oKuL671qO
— CSPAN (@cspan) September 19, 2020
FILE – In this Aug. 10, 1993, file photo, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg takes the court oath from Chief Justice William Rehnquist, right, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Marcy Nighswander, File)
Many public figures across the country took to social media to share their condolences for the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Prominent women in government expressed that her death was the loss of a symbol. Ginsburg was considered a pioneer in both the legal profession and for women in politics.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the justice was one of a kind and paved the way for so many women like her. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly stated Ginsburg served the country with integrity and advocated for those who could not speak for themselves.
This is a devastating personal loss for so many. But more than that, it is a devastating loss for our country.
Her memory is already a blessing. May it also be a call to continue her work for justice and equality under the law. pic.twitter.com/Pn5zB72Mz9
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 19, 2020
Democrat presidential nominee Joe Biden also responded to her death. He stated Ginsburg was beloved because she fought for the civil rights of everyone.
“She practiced the highest American ideals as a justice, equality and justice under the law,” he said. “Ruth Bader Ginsburg stood for all of us.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg stood for all of us. She was an American hero, a giant of legal doctrine, and a relentless voice in the pursuit of that highest American ideal: Equal Justice Under Law. May her memory be a blessing to all people who cherish our Constitution and its promise.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 19, 2020
Former Democrat presidential candidates, including Andrew Yang, former Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Beto O’Rourke also shared their sympathies.
The flag flies at half-staff at the Supreme Court on the morning after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 87, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020 in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Republican leaders acknowledged her legacy and work for the country, despite not always agreeing with the progressive justice.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) both called Ginsburg a “trailblazer.” They cited her 27 years as a public servant as an inspiration.
Joining the whole nation tonight in mourning the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and an inspiration to so many. My prayers are with her family and friends.
— Mark Meadows (@MarkMeadows) September 19, 2020
In her home state of New York, Governor Chris Cuomo said the Brooklyn native broke barriers and inspired others with her legal intellect.
Her death is likely to start a political battle between Democrats and Republicans, who have different timelines on when a new justice should be nominated.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has stressed that a nominee should not be chosen until after the 2020 election. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has stated the upper chamber will support the President, should he choose a nominee beforehand.
The Senate and the nation mourn the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the conclusion of her extraordinary American life.
My full statement: pic.twitter.com/NOwYLhDxIk
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) September 19, 2020