Washington, D.C.-(ENEWSPF)- Congressman Elijah Cummings, 68, Democrat from Maryland’s 7th Congressional District, died about 2:45 a.m. Thursday “due to complications from longstanding health problems.” His death was mourned by many in the nation’s capital.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly said on social media, “So very sad to wake up to the news of the death of my wonderful colleague, Congressman Elijah Cummings. He was a compassionate and committed leader. A great loss to his family, friends, the City of Baltimore and this nation.
“Rest In Peace, my friend,” the Congresswoman concluded, adding the hashtag #RIPElijah.
Former President Barack Obama issued the following statement:
“Michelle and I are heartbroken over the passing of our friend, Elijah Cummings. As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, he showed us all not only the importance of checks and balances within our democracy but also the necessity of good people stewarding it.
“Steely yet compassionate, principled yet open to new perspectives, Chairman Cummings remained steadfast in his pursuit of truth, justice, and reconciliation. It’s a tribute to his native Baltimore that one of its own brought such character, tact, and resolve into the halls of power every day.
“And true to the giants of progress, he followed into public service, Chairman Cummings stood tallest and most resolute when our country needed him the most. May his example inspire more Americans to pick up the baton and carry it forward in a manner worthy of his service. Our deepest sympathies and abiding love go to his wife, Maya, his three children, and all those whose lives he touched.”
President Trump honored Congressman Cummings in a “tweet that diverged markedly from the racially charged insults he had hurled at the Democratic lawmaker over the summer,” according to Politico.
“My warmest condolences to the family and many friends of Congressman Elijah Cummings,” he wrote online. “I got to see first hand the strength, passion and wisdom of this highly respected political leader. His work and voice on so many fronts will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace!”
For his part, Congressman Cummings’ last post on his Facebook profile included a picture of President Trump apparently yelling along with a headline from the Baltimore Sun, “Impeachment standoff: Trump lashes out in anger as Democrats warn interference could be evidence of obstruction.”
The Independent reports that Congressman Cummings ‘signed subpoenas from his hospital bed’ for Trump impeachment before his death.
Cummings was active until the end, an aide tells me. He signed subpoenas from his hospital bed and as recently as Friday helped lead a Democratic caucus conference call. https://t.co/2qkxi4Em7O
— Sheryl Gay Stolberg (@SherylNYT) October 17, 2019
Then, there are the Congressman’s own words:
If you want to know what Rep. Elijah Cummings was all about, watch this video of him speaking at Freddie Gray's funeral. This is the man he was. May his memory be for a blessing. https://t.co/AdUNie5ant
— Sheryl Gay Stolberg (@SherylNYT) October 17, 2019
And this obituary:
I've always believed that writing an obituary is a solemn obligation for a reporter, the final gift we can give. I was honored to write this one, for a good and decent man, Rep. Elijah Cummings. https://t.co/FiQ7P9VRBQ
— Sheryl Gay Stolberg (@SherylNYT) October 18, 2019