Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has died at age 79

Update 5:45 p.m. President Obama addressed the nation from Rancho Mirage about the death of Justice Scalia. The President says he plans to fulfill his constitutional responsibility and nominate a successor to fill the vacancy created by the death of Justice Scalia. The President also praised the late justice as a brilliant legal mind who influenced generation of lawyers and students.

(original Post)

Antonin Scalia, the influential conservative and most provocative member of the Supreme Court, has died. He was 79.

The U.S. Marshal’s Service in Washington confirmed Scalia’s death at a private residence in the Big Bend area of South Texas.

The service’s spokeswoman, Donna Sellers, says Scalia had retired for the evening and was found dead Saturday morning when he did not appear for breakfast.

Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes, of Yucca Valley, issued the following statement after learning of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia:

“Justice Antonin Scalia was a deeply respected and enormously important figure. A masterful writer with a wit to match, he was devoted to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, and will be remembered as one of our nation’s most brilliant jurists. Like so many today, I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Justice Scalia’s family.”

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