Justice Scalia: Politicians React to Justice's Passing

Updated: February 13, 2016 8:15 PM [ET] | Originally published: February 13, 2016 6:02 PM EST;

The U.S. Marshal’s Service confirmed Saturday that Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, a Reagan appointee, died at age 79. Known for his colorful dissents and sharp sense of humor, Scalia served on the nation’s highest court for 34 years.

As news broke that the court’s conservative mainstay had passed away, politicians across the U.S. released tweets and statements of condolences.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz

This afternoon the President was informed of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. The President and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to Justice Scalia’s family. We’ll have additional reaction from the President later today.

Chief Justice John Roberts:

He was an extraordinary individual and jurist, admired and treasured by his colleagues. His passing is a great loss to the Court and the country he so loyally served.

Former President George W. Bush

Pres. George W. Bush on Scalia: “He was a a towering figure and important judge on our Nation's highest court." pic.twitter.com/RUwPvVTdSk
— ABC News (@ABC) February 13, 2016

Hillary Clinton

Statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia: pic.twitter.com/xazj9dDd5c
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 14, 2016

Sen. Bernie Sanders, Vermont

.@BernieSanders on Scalia: "brilliant, colorful, and outspoken" pic.twitter.com/kXU2cmnZ1p
— Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) February 13, 2016

Sen. Harry Reid, Nevada

Justice Scalia was a brilliant man. We had many differences, but he was a dedicated public servant.
— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) February 13, 2016

Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida

Jeanette & I mourn the loss of Justice Scalia, and our thoughts & prayers are with his wife Maureen & his family. pic.twitter.com/e03KRZRM6q
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 13, 2016

Sen. Rand Paul, Kentucky

Justice Scalia was a defender of the constitution, an important conservative voice in the court. He will be missed. https://t.co/cOB3juvx7A
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) February 13, 2016

Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas

Justice Scalia was an American hero. We owe it to him, & the Nation, for the Senate to ensure that the next President names his replacement.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 13, 2016

Donald Trump

The totally unexpected loss of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is a massive setback for the Conservative movement and our COUNTRY!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 13, 2016

Sen. Chuck Schumer, New York

Sad news indeed. While we disagreed on many issues, Justice Scalia was a brilliant man & a great son of Queens w/ a genuine joy for life.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 13, 2016

Sen. Dick Durbin

While our opinions were frequently at odds Justice Scalia remained true to his beliefs in 3 decades of service. My thoughts are w his family
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) February 13, 2016

Michele Bachmann

Reading a Scalia dissent was akin to reading a Shakespearean sonnet. RIP
— Michele Bachmann (@MicheleBachmann) February 13, 2016

David Axelrod

Sudden death of Justice Scalia is a seismic event, and surely will reverberate in campaign, focusing both sides on stakes.
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) February 13, 2016

Jim DeMint

May Justice Antonin Scalia rest in peace. He was one of the wisest judges in our lifetime, and a good man.
— Jim DeMint (@JimDeMint) February 13, 2016

Gov. Matt Bevin

Shocked and saddened at news of the passing of SCOTUS Justice Antonin Scalia...A truly sad day for justice and liberty in America...
— Matt Bevin (@MattBevin) February 13, 2016

Supreme Court and Politicians React to the Death of Justice Antonin Scalia

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