Elijah Cummings remembered as man of faith at star-studded Baltimore funeral
Thousands of mourners, including two former presidents, gathered Friday to mourn Elijah Cummings, the civil rights leader turned congressman who dominated the US House as a “fierce champion of truth, justice and kindness.”
President Trump, who did not attend the event, appeared to loom over the ceremony for the late Baltimore representative, whom he criticized on Twitter over the summer.
“It is no coincidence — is it? — that Elijah Cummings shared a name with an Old Testament prophet,” said Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state, first lady and presidential candidate.
“Like the prophet, our Elijah could call down fire from heaven. But he also prayed and worked for healing. Like the prophet, he stood against the corrupt leadership of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.”
Former President Barack Obama also made a subtle reference to the sitting president, telling mourners at the packed, 4,000-seat New Psalmist Baptist Church in Cummings’ hometown about the lawmaker’s honor.
“There’s nothing weak about kindness and compassion,” Obama said. “There’s nothing weak about looking out for others. There’s nothing weak about being honorable. You’re not a sucker to have integrity and to treat others with respect.”
Cummings, a sharecropper’s son, rose to power in Washington, where he was first elected in 1996 and eventually became the chairman of the powerful House Oversight and Reform Committee.
He died on Oct. 17 at the age of 68, becoming the first African American lawmaker to lie in state in the US Capitol.
“His life validates the things we tell ourselves about what’s possible in this country, not guaranteed, but possible,” Obama said.
Cummings frequently tangled with Trump in recent years as the congressman’s committee probed the White House, prompting Trump to lash out and describe the Democrat’s district in Baltimore as a “disgusting, rat- and rodent-infested mess” where “no human being would want to live.”
Former President Bill Clinton also alluded to the tensions and looming impeachment inquiry by House Democrats.
“We all know now that, at least until certain things happen, his legacy is how ardently he honored his oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,” Clinton said.
Trump extended his sympathies during a speech delivered Friday.
“I want to extend my warmest condolences to the family and many friends of Elijah Cummings,” he said.
With Post wires