Tributes Flood Twitter Following Sen. John McCain's Death
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle took to Twitter on Saturday to pay tribute to the late Sen. John McCain.
The longtime Republican leader and war hero died at the age of 81.
"Senator John Sidney McCain III died at 4:28pm on August 25, 2018. With the Senator when he passed were his wife Cindy and their family. At his death, he had served the United States of America faithfully for sixty years," his office said in a statement.
McCain's wife, Cindy, wrote "my heart is broken."
His daughter, Meghan, shared a statement with the caption, ""I love you forever – my beloved father @SenJohnMcCain."
President Donald Trump extended his "deepest sympathies."
Former President Barack Obama also shared his condolences in a statement.
Former President George W. Bush released a statement, calling McCain a "patriot of the highest order" and "public servant of rarest courage."
Former President Bill Clinton said the senator "lived by his creed every day."
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called him a "tough politician" and "trusted colleague."
McCain's former running mate, Sarah Palin, referred to him as an "American original."
House Speaker Paul Ryan called him "a giant of our time."
Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake said the "world has lost a hero and a statesman."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the senator as a "truth teller."
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said it was a "privilege to serve beside John in the Senate."
Gov. Andrew Cuomo called McCain a "warrior and a statesman."
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said "McCain served our nation with honor."
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum released a statement, reading, "Senator McCain will always be inextricably tied to Intrepid."
"As a naval aviator, he flew missions off the ship beginning in 1960. In 1999, the Museum presented Senator McCain with the Intrepid Freedom Award, which recognizes a distinguished leader who has promoted the values of freedom and democracy. Earlier this year, the Museum honored his unparalleled legacy of bravery, sacrifice and service with the Intrepid Lifetime Achievement Award," the statement continued. "Here at the Intrepid Museum, we will be proud to continue sharing his legacy for years to come. We offer our sincere condolences to his mother Roberta, wife Cindy, his children and the entire McCain family."
To read more about McCain's life and legacy, click here.
