Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Dies At 79; Obama To Elect Successor In Due Time

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead in his room during a visit in Texas Saturday morning. The 79-year-old justice reportedly died of natural causes, as per U.S. Marshals Service.

"I am saddened to report that our colleague Justice Antonin Scalia has passed away," Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the news in a dispatch, as noted by USA Today. "He was an extraordinary individual and jurist, admired and treasured by his colleagues. His passing is a great loss to the court and the country he so loyally served."

Scalia, who is considered as one of the toughest conservative members of the U.S. Court, was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986.

Roberts described the longest-serving justice as an "extraordinary individual, admired and treasured by his colleagues."

"His passing is a great loss to the court and the country he so loyally served. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Maureen and his family," he added.

In a statement Saturday night, President Barrack Obama described Scalia as a "brilliant legal mind with an energetic style, incisive wit, and colorful opinions."

"He influenced a generation of judges, lawyers, and, students, and profoundly shaped the legal landscape," Obama said, via The Atlantic. "He will no doubt be remembered as one of the most consequential judges and thinkers to serve on the Supreme Court."

The U.S. leader added that he plans to elect Scalia's successor "in due time."

"Obviously, today is the time to remember Justice Scalia's legacy. I plan to fulfill my constitutional responsibilities to nominate a successor in due time. There will be plenty of time for me to do so and for the Senate to fulfill its responsibility to give that person a fair hearing and timely vote."

Contrary to this, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the election should be done after Obama's term ends.

"The American people‎ should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice," McConnell said in a dispatch. "Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president."