TEXAS (WOWO): Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has died at the age of 79.
AP reports the U.S. Marshals Service in Washington confirmed Scalia’s death at a private residence in the Big Bend area of South Texas. Spokeswoman Donna Sellers said Scalia had retired the previous evening and did not show up for breakfast the following morning. He was then found dead in his room.
He served for 29 years starting in 1986 when he was appointed to the Court by President Ronald Reagan. He was the longest-serving justice on the Court.
Scalia’s impact on the court was muted by his seeming disregard for moderating his views to help build consensus, although he was held in deep affection by his ideological opposites Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan. Scalia and Ginsburg shared a love of opera. He persuaded Kagan to join him on hunting trips.
We’ll bring you more information as is becomes available.
Justice Antonin Scalia’s passing is a loss for the Supreme Court and the nation.
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) February 13, 2016
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. on the death of Antonin Scalia: “He was an extraordinary individual.” pic.twitter.com/8xwSZDrKe3
— ABC News (@ABC) February 13, 2016
Prayers to Justice Scalia & family. He served the USA with an incredible intellect, humor and heart as well as fidelity to the Constitution!
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) February 13, 2016
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
Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg were friends. How many of us reach so far across political divides? A better world if more would.
— Ramez Naam (@ramez) February 13, 2016
Texas Governor @GregAbbott_TX confirms the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia pic.twitter.com/NFhZLLxgMN
— Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) February 13, 2016
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
RIP, Justice Scalia. This is a grave loss for the nation
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) February 13, 2016
Justice Scalia was a wise voice & strong proponent for the Constitution & American values
— Reince Priebus (@Reince) February 13, 2016
My thoughts and prayers for the family of Justice Antonin Scalia – America will be forever grateful for his service to our country.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) February 13, 2016
Justice Scalia was a defender of the constitution, an important conservative voice in the court. He will be missed. https://t.co/cOB3juvx7A
— Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) February 13, 2016
#RIP Justice Antonin Scalia, one of the greatest constitutional scholars to ever serve #US on the bench. Thoughts are with his family.
— Mark Kirk (@SenatorKirk) February 13, 2016
Obama must appoint a constitutional originalist to replace Justice Scalia, nothing else will do.
— Michele Bachmann (@MicheleBachmann) February 13, 2016
America has lost a great treasure. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was a champion voice for conservative values- he will be missed.
— Indiana GOP (@indgop) February 13, 2016
Today we lost a conservative champion and true public servant. May Justice Antonin Scalia rest in peace.
— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) February 13, 2016