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Senator Chuck Schumer honored Rep. Elijah Cummings as he lies in state at the Capitol Building. USA TODAY

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‘Thank you for the final time’

George Collins, 58, said he took the train from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., on Thursday morning to say thank you to Rep. Elijah Cummings one last time.

Cummings, who died Oct. 17, was lying in state inside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday.

Collins, a life-long Baltimore resident, would visit the congressman’s office often. He said he last visited two weeks ago regarding legislation Cummings signed on to co-sponsor that would help firefighters. Collins is a retired firefighter.

“I’m here for the last time to visit him at the office to say thank you for the final time,” Collins said, adding that Cummings, who represented parts of Baltimore, was always “accessible, accountable and responsible.”

“We’re going to have a big hole in Baltimore, not only from politics and being a representative, but an individual who was a moral compass,” Collins added.

‘He has such big shoes to fill’

Nancy Chavannes-Battle of Prince George’s County, Maryland, said that she stood in line for nearly an hour and a half to say her last goodbyes to Cummings. The 52-year-old said that she “had to make it a point to come down.”

“He’s done so much for us, so much for the state, so much for the country and it was really touching,” she said, adding that she whispered a short prayer for the congressman to rest in piece.

Wendy Bourque, of Howard County, Maryland, said she was a constituent of Cummings’ and that she cried when she heard he died because she hadn’t known he was in poor health.

“I felt like he really represented us well,” she said of Cummings. “I hope that the future person that comes into his position does as well as or if not a better job than he did, which is probably going to be impossible. 

“He has such big shoes to fill.”

‘He fought for all people’

Anthony Jaby, 64, said he wanted to come pay his respects and honor the late congressman. Jaby, who is from Washington, D.C., and an Air Force veteran, said that Cummings stood “up against anybody for the truth and to help people.”

“He didn’t just fight for black people, he fought for all people,” Jaby said of Cummings, who was outspoken on civil rights.

‘Enough is enough’: The moments that defined the career of Rep. Elijah Cummings

‘He is a legend’

Denise Harper, who is also from D.C., said that one of her biggest regrets is that she never got to meet Cummings.

She said that after seeing him on TV and listening to his remarks, she felt like she knew him.

“He is a legend, he was a humble man,” she said, “more politicians on both sides of the aisle should take a cue from him.

“He knew how to bring people together, he never forgot who he was in Congress for, who he was there to serve,” she continued. “He remained true to his roots.”

Elijah Cummings’ funeral: Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton to attend Elijah Cummings’ Baltimore funeral

‘Take a page from his playbook’

Pat Brew of King George, Va., said that she appreciates all the congressman did in regards to civil rights.

“We were in a very different place, 30, 40 years ago,” Brew said. “He remembers that place and he did all that he could to make sure that we didn’t regress as a nation back to that place. I hope that the young representatives and senators and everyone would take a page from his playbook and to continue to do the same and fight for civil rights.”

The closing ceremony before public viewing

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., stood in front of Cummings’ casket as the Senate wreath was presented. Both men then went and each shook hands with the Maryland Democrat’s widow, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings. Each gave her a hug before returning to their seats. 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., then stood in front of Cummings’ casket as the House wreath was presented. They also embraced Rockeymoore.

After the service was done, Rockeymoore walked up to Cummings’ casket and prayed with her hands in the air. She then walked away, holding back tears.

‘Everybody’s crushed’: Baltimore mourns the death of Rep. Elijah Cummings

Hoyer: Cummings’ mission was to stop abuse of public trust

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Cummings saw his work in Congress as a “trust from providence” and that it was his mission to “ensure that everyone who serves in public office is held to account for the abuse of that trust.”

“The public trust for him was a sacred thing. Like the biblical prophet Elijah, he saw wrongdoing and spent his life working to banish it from our land,” he said. 

Hoyer was one of the first speakers to go hug Rockeymoore after his remarks.

Clyburn: ‘A passion for justice’

To honor Cummings, Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., quoted from the biblical Book of Micah, which says, “The Lord requires us to do justly, act mercifully and walk humbly.”

“Elijah E. Cummings personified this directive in his service and in the core of his living,” Clyburn said. “Elijah had a passion for justice: justice for those who are underserved; justice for those who are undercut; and justice for those who are underestimated.”

Bass: Cummings was seen as a ‘quiet giant’ 

“The Congressional Black Caucus is a close-knit family. Thursday, Oct. 17, the CBC lost a member of our family,” said Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., the CBC chairwoman.

“Elijah Cummings was respected, revered and viewed as a quiet giant within the caucus,” Bass said. “We watched him lead the Oversight and Reform Committee. We watched his heartfelt passion as he fought for the rights of children separated from their families, as he fought for everyone to have health care and medications that are affordable, and as he fought for everyone to have the right, and access to vote.” 

Meadows discusses ‘unexpected friendship’ with Cummings

Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., passionately talked about his friendship with Cummings, his eyes glistening as he held back tears.

He said he was “privileged enough” to be able to call Cummings “a dear friend.”

“Some had classified it as an unexpected friendship,” Meadows said of their bipartisan relationship in a highly partisan era. “But for those of that know Elijah, it’s not unexpected.”

Meadows said “perhaps this place and this country would be better served with a few more unexpected friendships. I know I’ve been blessed by one.” 

Photos: Maryland congressman Elijah Cummings dies at 68

Schumer: A ‘kind, caring and honorable man’

Schumer said Cummings “was strong, very strong, when necessary.”

But he was “also kind, and caring, and honorable,” Schumer, the Senate minority leader, added. “Universally respected and admired, in a divided time. His voice could shake mountains, stir the most cynical hearts, inspiring us all to be better.”

“A sharecropper’s son, born and raised in Baltimore, Elijah Cummings never forgot where he came from and never lost sight of where he wanted his country to go,” he said.  

McConnell: Cummings ‘truly has gone home’ 

“Elijah Cummings did not just represent Baltimore, he embodied it,” said McConnell, the Senate majority leader.

McConnell said Cummings’ commitment to Baltimore – much of which lies in his congressional district – was clearly on display in 2015 during the riots that followed the death of a black man in police custody.

“By day, the congressman was here in the Capitol, working and leading in these hallways of power. But every night, he rode the train back home and walked the neighborhoods, bullhorn in hand, encouraging unity and peace,” McConnell recalled.

“Here’s what he said: ‘Let’s go home. Let’s all go home,'” he said. “Now, our distinguished colleague truly has gone home.” 

Pelosi calls Cummings ‘master of the House’

“Elijah Cummings: son of sharecroppers, master of the House,” said Pelosi, a Baltimore native, referencing Cummings’ rise from humble beginnings to the halls of Congress. “It is my official, and personal, and sad honor to welcome Chairman Elijah and all who loved him to this celebration of his life.” 

Pelosi spoke of Cummings’ commitment to, and love for, the House of Representatives in which he served. She cited his desire to mentor freshman lawmakers because, he told her, “I love their potential and I want to help them realize it.” 

She said Cummings understood that members of Congress would “have to face the judgment of history and that we are part of a long and honorable heritage of our democracy.”

The flag-draped casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., lies in state at the Capitol, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019 in Washington. He died died on&nbsp; Oct. 17,&nbsp; 2019.&nbsp;
The flag-draped casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is seen as the late congressman lies in state during a memorial service at the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Oct. 24,&nbsp; 2019.&nbsp;
The flag-draped casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is seen as the late congressman lies in state during a memorial service at the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Oct. 24,&nbsp; 2019.&nbsp;
The flag-draped casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is seen as the late congressman lies in state during a memorial service at the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Oct. 24,&nbsp; 2019.&nbsp;
The flag-draped casket of late Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is carried through the Capitol during a memorial service in Washington, D.C., Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;
The casket of late Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md.,&nbsp;Elijah Cummings is brought into Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;
The flag-draped casket of late Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md., is carried through the Capitol during a memorial service in Washington, D.C., Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;
Maya Rockeymoore, widow of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is joined by family members as Cummings&#39; flag-draped casket is escorted up the East Front Steps of the U.S. Capitol by a military honor guard prior to lying in state inside Statuary Hall during a memorial service Oct. 24, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) gives remarks next to the flag-draped casket of of late Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md as the late congressman lies in state during a memorial service at the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol Oct. 24, 2019 in Washington.&nbsp;
The casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is carried by honor guard up the U.S. Capitol steps, the congressman will lie in state at a ceremony in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.&nbsp;
Family and friends of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md stand on the east front steps of the U.S. Capitol as the honor guard carries his casket into the U.S. Capitol where Cummings will lie in state at a ceremony in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.&nbsp;
The casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is carried by honor guard up the Capitol Hill steps and the congressman will lie in state at a ceremony in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.&nbsp;
Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar joins other members of the Congressional Black Caucus to await the casket of late Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md.,&nbsp;in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer at memorial services for Rep. Elijah Cummings in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Oct. 24, 2019. Late Maryland Representative Elijah Cummings died on Oct. 17, 2019.&nbsp;
Democratic Rep. John Lewis from Georgia joins other members of the Congressional Black Caucus to await the casket of late Democratic Representative from Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington,&nbsp; Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;
Rep. John Lewis and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus wait to enter as a group to attend the memorial services of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md., at the U.S. Capitol Oct. 24, 2019 in Washington, DC.&nbsp;
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., arrives for a memorial service for Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md.,&nbsp; at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;

Replay

  • The flag-draped casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., lies in state at the Capitol, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019 in Washington. He died died on&nbsp; Oct. 17,&nbsp; 2019.&nbsp;1 of 17
  • The flag-draped casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is seen as the late congressman lies in state during a memorial service at the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Oct. 24,&nbsp; 2019.&nbsp;2 of 17
  • The flag-draped casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is seen as the late congressman lies in state during a memorial service at the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Oct. 24,&nbsp; 2019.&nbsp;3 of 17
  • The flag-draped casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is seen as the late congressman lies in state during a memorial service at the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Oct. 24,&nbsp; 2019.&nbsp;4 of 17
  • The flag-draped casket of late Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is carried through the Capitol during a memorial service in Washington, D.C., Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;5 of 17
  • The casket of late Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md.,&nbsp;Elijah Cummings is brought into Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;6 of 17
  • The flag-draped casket of late Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md., is carried through the Capitol during a memorial service in Washington, D.C., Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;7 of 17
  • Maya Rockeymoore, widow of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is joined by family members as Cummings&#39; flag-draped casket is escorted up the East Front Steps of the U.S. Capitol by a military honor guard prior to lying in state inside Statuary Hall during a memorial service Oct. 24, 2019 in Washington, DC.8 of 17
  • Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) gives remarks next to the flag-draped casket of of late Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md as the late congressman lies in state during a memorial service at the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol Oct. 24, 2019 in Washington.&nbsp;9 of 17
  • The casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is carried by honor guard up the U.S. Capitol steps, the congressman will lie in state at a ceremony in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.&nbsp;10 of 17
  • Family and friends of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md stand on the east front steps of the U.S. Capitol as the honor guard carries his casket into the U.S. Capitol where Cummings will lie in state at a ceremony in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.&nbsp;11 of 17
  • The casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md is carried by honor guard up the Capitol Hill steps and the congressman will lie in state at a ceremony in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.&nbsp;12 of 17
  • Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar joins other members of the Congressional Black Caucus to await the casket of late Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md.,&nbsp;in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;13 of 17
  • Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer at memorial services for Rep. Elijah Cummings in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Oct. 24, 2019. Late Maryland Representative Elijah Cummings died on Oct. 17, 2019.&nbsp;14 of 17
  • Democratic Rep. John Lewis from Georgia joins other members of the Congressional Black Caucus to await the casket of late Democratic Representative from Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md., in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington,&nbsp; Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;15 of 17
  • Rep. John Lewis and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus wait to enter as a group to attend the memorial services of Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md., at the U.S. Capitol Oct. 24, 2019 in Washington, DC.&nbsp;16 of 17
  • Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., arrives for a memorial service for Rep. Elijah Cummings D-Md.,&nbsp; at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Oct. 24, 2019.&nbsp;17 of 17

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Original story: 

WASHINGTON – Rep. Elijah Cummings laid in state on Thursday within the U.S. Capitol where he served for 23 years as a congressman, becoming one of the few African-Americans to be so honored. 

Current and former members of Congress assembled before Cummings’ flag-draped coffin was brought into the National Statuary Hall – a large, domed room that once served as the House chamber – followed by his widow, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, the chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party. Other family members dressed in gray and black entered next, some staring straight ahead and others clutching each other’s arms. 

Cummings, a Democrat whose district included large sections of Baltimore, died last week at age 68 from complications related to longstanding health issues. 

A day after his death, Pelosi announced that Cummings would lie in state in Statuary Hall.

An hour ahead of the service, guests began slowly coming in, such as journalists April Ryan, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. Baltimore Mayor Bernard Young, wearing a dark blue suit, was also among the first few to arrive.

Members of the House then entered, followed by senators. Several 2020 presidential candidates were among them. And joining the lawmakers was former House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc. 

A low buzz of whispers and chatting filled Statuary Hall ahead of the memorial service. But as Pelosi led in both parties’ leadership and designated speakers, the room fell quiet. Small huddles among different lawmakers began to form, as they waited for Cummings’ casket to come into the hall. At one point, Pelosi and Schumer walked away from their colleagues for a quick chat. 

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus entered Statuary Hall Thursday in single file and wearing kente cloth scarves as they prepared to honor Cummings, a former caucus chairman who was outspoken on issues of civil rights and voter access. 

Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif, led the processions followed by civil rights legend Rep. John Lewis. 

A solemn silence fell over the hall as Cummings’ casket was brought in around 11:15 a.m. EDT. 

Elijah Cummings’ Baltimore: ‘Everybody’s crushed’: Baltimore mourns the death of Rep. Elijah Cummings

Cummings was the first black lawmaker to lie in state in the Capitol, according to the CBC. Two African-Americans who were not elected officials have lain in honor in the Capitol rotunda – civil rights icon Rosa Parks and Capitol Police Officer Jacob Chestnut

Lying in state in the Capitol is a rare honor reserved for the nation’s “most eminent citizens,” according to the Architect of the Capitol. Just 31 people have been granted that honor, including 12 former presidents.

Last year, preacher Billy Graham was laid in honor, and former President George H.W. Bush and Sen. John McCain were laid in state. Those three were the first to be so honored since Sen. Daniel Inouye in 2012. 

Normally, the remains are placed in the Capitol rotunda, which the Architect of the Capitol says “has been considered the most suitable place for the nation to pay final tribute,” and members of the public wait in long lines that extend outside the Capitol to pay their respects. 

It is unclear if National Statuary Hall has been used previously for those lying in state within the Capitol. Statuary Hall is located just south of the rotunda, and it is also a large space with a domed roof. The room served as the chamber where the House of Representatives gathered from 1819 to 1857. It contains 35 of the 100 statues submitted by the states for display in the Capitol. 

Cummings’ funeral will be held Friday at the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, where he worshipped for nearly 40 years. 

On Wednesday, mourners paid respects to Cummings as his body lay in repose at Morgan State University, a historically black college in Cummings’ district. Cummings served on the school’s Board of Regents for 19 years. 

Enough is enough’: The moments that defined the career of Rep. Elijah Cummings

Before his death, the House Oversight and Reform Committee chairman had been leading several investigations into President Donald Trump and his administration.

Cummings drew Trump’s ire as his committee prepared to subpoena the communications of the president’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. He also sparred with Trump after Cummings sharply criticized the administration’s handling of detained migrants. In response, Trump called the congressman a “brutal bully” and denounced Baltimore as a “rodent-infested mess” where “no human being would want to live.”

At a National Press Club luncheon in August, Cummings said he wished Trump would visit Baltimore and denounced the president’s use of inflammatory rhetoric. 

“Those in the highest levels of government must stop invoking fear, using racist language and encouraging reprehensible behavior,” he said. “It only creates more division among us and severely limits our ability to work together for the common good. As a country, we finally must say that enough is enough.” 

Contributing: The Associated Press and Deborah Barfield Berry

More: How Elijah Cummings’ unexpected death could affect the impeachment inquiry

Elijah Cummings, a Democratic Maryland congressman, has died at age 68. Cummings had served as a representative of Maryland's 7th congressional district since 1996. See the lawmaker's life and career in pictures.
Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., talks to NAACP President Kweisi Mfume, Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., as they watch a hearing on allegations of CIA involvement in drug trafficking before the Senate Intelligence Committee Nov. 26, 1996, on Capitol Hill.
Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-MD, is flanked by his predecessor Kweisi Mfume, right, and former Maryland Congressman Parren Mitchell on Capitol Hill Thursday April 25, 1996 after officially being sworn in. Cummings replaced Mfume.
Elijah Cummings stands to the right of Rep. Albert Wynn, D-Md., as he addresses a Capitol Hill news conference on discrimination in the federal workforce on July 7, 1997.
Former President Bill Clinton, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. and Former Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening participate in church services at New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore on Nov. 1, 1998.
Elijah Cummings and other congress members surround President Clinton after he signed the Long-term Care Security Act on Sept. 19, 2000, in Washington.
Elijah Cummings visits the Maryland Public Television studio on Oct. 23, 2000, in Owings Mills, Md., prior to a debate against Republican challenger Kenneth Kondner.
Congressman Elijah Cummings, D-Md., speaks to supporters at a victory party on Nov. 7, 2000, in Baltimore. ]
Elijah Cummings speaks with Senator Joseph Biden after a news conference on aid to Africa January 16, 2003 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Nancy Pelosi, accompanied by Elijah Cummings and other fellow House members, meet reporters on Capitol Hill Feb. 13,2003 to announce that they filed a brief with the Supreme Court in support of the University of Michigan's affirmative action admissions policy.
Elijah Cummings, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, smiles on , April 17, 2003, in Baltimore after recording the democratic response to President George W. Bush's weekly radio address airing nationally on Saturday.
Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md, left, accepts the Elmer P. Martin Public Service Award from Dr. Joanne M. Martin, co-founder of the Great Blacks and Wax Museum on Nov. 18, 2003, in Washington. Cummings was honored for outstanding contributions to society.
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., stands with U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, left, and Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Executive Director Wade Henderson, right, at a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, ending racial segregation in schools on May 17, 2004, in Topeka, Kan.
Elijah Cummings and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus of the 109th Congress are sworn in at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. on January 4, 2005.
National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern speaks with Rep. Elijah Cummings after testifying about steroid use in professional sports before the House Committee on Government Reform on Capitol Hill May 19, 2005 in Washington, DC.
Elijah Cummings questions former New York Yankees baseball pitcher Roger Clemens during the House Oversight and Government Reform committee hearing on drug use in baseball on Feburary 13, 2008 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Elijah Cummings speaks during the testimony of Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen June 23, 2014 in Washington, DC.
Elijah Cummings and congressional staff members gather at the Capitol to raise awareness of the recent killings of black men by police officers, both of which did not result in grand jury indictments, in Washington on Dec. 11, 2014.
Congressman Elijah Cummings speaks to the media the morning after citywide riots following the funeral of Freddie Gray, on April 28, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Houses housing project on Baltimore's west side.
Elijah Cummings delivers remarks to members of the news media after attending a closed meeting of the House Select Committee on Benghazi, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on October 6, 2015.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton waves after receiving the endorsement of Congressman Elijah Cummings during a grassroots event in Baltimore, Maryland on April 10, 2016.
Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-MD, speaks during the 2016 Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Arena on July 25, 2016.
Elijah Cummings speaks to members of the press during a Democratic Caucus meeting to elect new leadership on Capitol Hill on November 28, 2018 in Washington, DC.
Elijah Cummings, Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, gestures as he delivers a press conference following the former Special Counsel's testimony before the House Select Committee on Intelligence in Washington, DC, on July 24, 2019.
Pallbearers pause before entering the Murphy Fine Arts Center at Morgan State University ahead of a public viewing for U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, Oct. 23, 2019, in Baltimore.
Mourners, including Maya Rockeymoore, right, widow of U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings follow behind pallbearers walking with the congressman&#39;s body while arriving at Morgan State University ahead of a public viewing, Oct. 23, 2019, in Baltimore.&nbsp;

Replay

  • Elijah Cummings, a Democratic Maryland congressman, has died at age 68. Cummings had served as a representative of Maryland's 7th congressional district since 1996. See the lawmaker's life and career in pictures.1 of 26
  • Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., talks to NAACP President Kweisi Mfume, Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., as they watch a hearing on allegations of CIA involvement in drug trafficking before the Senate Intelligence Committee Nov. 26, 1996, on Capitol Hill. 2 of 26
  • Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-MD, is flanked by his predecessor Kweisi Mfume, right, and former Maryland Congressman Parren Mitchell on Capitol Hill Thursday April 25, 1996 after officially being sworn in. Cummings replaced Mfume.3 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings stands to the right of Rep. Albert Wynn, D-Md., as he addresses a Capitol Hill news conference on discrimination in the federal workforce on July 7, 1997.4 of 26
  • Former President Bill Clinton, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. and Former Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening participate in church services at New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore on Nov. 1, 1998.5 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings and other congress members surround President Clinton after he signed the Long-term Care Security Act on Sept. 19, 2000, in Washington.6 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings visits the Maryland Public Television studio on Oct. 23, 2000, in Owings Mills, Md., prior to a debate against Republican challenger Kenneth Kondner. 7 of 26
  • Congressman Elijah Cummings, D-Md., speaks to supporters at a victory party on Nov. 7, 2000, in Baltimore. ]8 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings speaks with Senator Joseph Biden after a news conference on aid to Africa January 16, 2003 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.9 of 26
  • Nancy Pelosi, accompanied by Elijah Cummings and other fellow House members, meet reporters on Capitol Hill Feb. 13,2003 to announce that they filed a brief with the Supreme Court in support of the University of Michigan's affirmative action admissions policy.10 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, smiles on , April 17, 2003, in Baltimore after recording the democratic response to President George W. Bush's weekly radio address airing nationally on Saturday.11 of 26
  • Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md, left, accepts the Elmer P. Martin Public Service Award from Dr. Joanne M. Martin, co-founder of the Great Blacks and Wax Museum on Nov. 18, 2003, in Washington. Cummings was honored for outstanding contributions to society.12 of 26
  • Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., stands with U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, left, and Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Executive Director Wade Henderson, right, at a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, ending racial segregation in schools on May 17, 2004, in Topeka, Kan. 13 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus of the 109th Congress are sworn in at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. on January 4, 2005.14 of 26
  • National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern speaks with Rep. Elijah Cummings after testifying about steroid use in professional sports before the House Committee on Government Reform on Capitol Hill May 19, 2005 in Washington, DC.15 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings questions former New York Yankees baseball pitcher Roger Clemens during the House Oversight and Government Reform committee hearing on drug use in baseball on Feburary 13, 2008 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. 16 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings speaks during the testimony of Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen June 23, 2014 in Washington, DC.17 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings and congressional staff members gather at the Capitol to raise awareness of the recent killings of black men by police officers, both of which did not result in grand jury indictments, in Washington on Dec. 11, 2014. 18 of 26
  • Congressman Elijah Cummings speaks to the media the morning after citywide riots following the funeral of Freddie Gray, on April 28, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Houses housing project on Baltimore's west side.19 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings delivers remarks to members of the news media after attending a closed meeting of the House Select Committee on Benghazi, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on October 6, 2015. 20 of 26
  • Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton waves after receiving the endorsement of Congressman Elijah Cummings during a grassroots event in Baltimore, Maryland on April 10, 2016.21 of 26
  • Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-MD, speaks during the 2016 Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Arena on July 25, 2016. 22 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings speaks to members of the press during a Democratic Caucus meeting to elect new leadership on Capitol Hill on November 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. 23 of 26
  • Elijah Cummings, Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, gestures as he delivers a press conference following the former Special Counsel's testimony before the House Select Committee on Intelligence in Washington, DC, on July 24, 2019. 24 of 26
  • Pallbearers pause before entering the Murphy Fine Arts Center at Morgan State University ahead of a public viewing for U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, Oct. 23, 2019, in Baltimore.25 of 26
  • Mourners, including Maya Rockeymoore, right, widow of U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings follow behind pallbearers walking with the congressman&#39;s body while arriving at Morgan State University ahead of a public viewing, Oct. 23, 2019, in Baltimore.&nbsp;26 of 26

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