The Maryland MP, also chairman of the executive's oversight committee, played a crucial role in the investigation into the removal of President Donald Trump.
A highly respected US congressional leader, and a key player in the impeachment of President Donald Trump, Democrat Elijah Cummings died on Thursday, October 17, at the age of 68. Maryland representative dies at Baltimore Johns Hopkins Hospital "Complications from long-standing health problems"according to a statement.
This African-American parliamentarian sat in the lower house since 1996 and chaired the powerful executive oversight commission. In recent months, he had often opposed the tenant of the White House.
His riding covered a large part of Baltimore, a predominantly black industrial city, plagued by social problems, drugs and violence.
"We lost a giant"
The reactions to his death were not long in the Democratic camp. "A blow in the stomach", reacted Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democratic minority in the Senate, speaking of a "Huge loss". "We have lost a giant today"responded by California Senator Kamala Harris. Elijah Cummings was a "Brave leader, a protector of our democracy"said the candidate, candidate for the Democratic nomination for the presidential election of 2020. "His presence, his passion and his moral foresight will be missed"For its part, Jerry Nadler, the Democratic Chair of the Judiciary Committee in the House of Representatives, said.
In July, Donald Trump had described the city of Baltimore as "A bazaar infested with rats and rodents", calling Mr. Cummings into question. Without answering directly to the president, the elected representative declared that the leaders should refrain from "Hateful and inflammatory comments" dividing the nation.
