The country is mourning the passing of former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell (R), a political figure that the New York Times said “shaped U.S. National Security.” Although he became a controversial figure in recent years after endorsing both President Barack Obama (D) and President Joe Biden (D), which garnered criticism from GOP members, members from both parties are now remembering his life and what he contributed to the political arena.
In remembering him, Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) argued that General Powell “blazed trails for others and left an unparalleled legacy of historic first and accomplishment.”
General Powell made history as the first Black U.S. Secretary of State, and the news of his death shocked the world after it was reported that he had passed away from Covid-19 complications coupled with a cancer battle.
Immediately, officials across party lines shared their reflections on the life that General Powell led.
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony took to social media to call Powell “a Great American Servant.”
“Our nation lost a true hero and iconic leader,” he shared, adding that “Secretary Colin Powell blazed numerous trails within his professional lifelong career of service to our nation.” Noting that he’s “always admired his style of leadership, performance and patriotism,” Sheriff Tony concluded that “our nation need [sic] more leaders to rise the caliber of his character.”
Rep. Wasserman Schultz also shared words of appreciation, writing on Twitter that “with integrity, Gen. Colin Powell lived a life of service and patriotism.” She added that “he blazed trails for others and left an unparalleled legacy of historic first and accomplishment.” Sending prayer to General Powell’s family during this time, she concluded by expressing, “may his memory be a blessing.”
The family announced General Powell's passing, expressing that "We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American."
