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#RIPMayorForLife: Condolences roll in for Marion Barry

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November 23, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. EST

Marion Barry, 4-term D.C. mayor, dies at 78

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11/01/1971 - SLUG: ME/BARRY DATE: File Photo 11/1/71 - PHOTOG: Ellsworth Davis/TWP - LOCATION: DC - CAPTION: Del. Walter Fauntroy, D-DC, left, hoists the hand of Marion Barry in signal of Barry's victory in his campaign for the school board. Standing at Barry's left during the victory party at the Pitts Motor Hotel, is Mary Treadwell, one of the directors of Pride, Inc. which Baryy heads. Anita Allen conceded the race. (Ellsworth Davis/TWP)

Praise and condolences poured in on social media after the death of Marion Barry early Sunday. Nearly every trending Twitter account and hashtag in the Washington region was tied to Barry’s death on Sunday, including  #ripmarionbarry, #RIPMayorForLife and Barry’s personal account, @marionbarryjr.

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President Obama released this statement Sunday afternoon:

“Michelle and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Marion Barry. Marion was born a sharecropper’s son, came of age during the Civil Rights movement, and became a fixture in D.C. politics for decades. As a leader with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Marion helped advance the cause of civil rights for all. During his decades in elected office in D.C., he put in place historic programs to lift working people out of poverty, expand opportunity, and begin to make real the promise of home rule. Through a storied, at times tumultuous life and career, he earned the love and respect of countless Washingtonians, and Michelle and I extend our deepest sympathies to Marion’s family, friends and constituents today.”

Attorney General Eric Holder released this statement:

“I was very saddened to hear this morning about the passing of Marion Barry. As a long time resident of Washington, D.C., I can attest to the fact that former Mayor Barry was a consequential figure in the city that I call home. His vision, and his hard work, helped to transform Washington into the world-class city it now is. Mayor Barry was, as we all are, a complicated man and a person who had to deal with many personal issues. But his focus on those who are often without a voice in this community, and his critical role in creating economic opportunity too long denied many of the city’s residents, are significant parts of his legacy. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Mayor Barry’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with them.”

In the D.C. area, condolences were sent by residents and politicians alike.

Barry’s death also brought reaction nationally.

Barry himself had about 13,600 followers on Twitter. His final tweet came at 12:46 a.m. Friday in response to a resident wishing him well during his hospital stay.

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